SB 852 - This act seeks to restore the readiness assessments that existed in statue prior to 1996. Under the provisions of this act, each school district in the state, beginning with the 2005-06 school year, would provide an assessment program, without charge, to determine readiness for children whose fifth birthday for purposes of kindergarten, and whose sixth birthday for purposes of grade one, occurs on or after August 1 but not later than September 13. Each school district may determine its own program of readiness assessment. Only children who by their assessment are found ready to enter kindergarten or to enter grade one that year shall be admitted to that grade. This act removes current statutory language which articulates a divergent policy for the Kansas City and St. Louis public schools. DONALD THALHUBER