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There is a lot of great coverage on the importance #earlyed access recently, but I have to disagree with today's piece in @USATODAY by @kbstevens on @JoeBiden’s plan for #preK. https://www.usatoday.com/story/opinion/2020/08/03/biden-universal-preschool-education-plan-parent-involvement-column/5538912002/. 1/
It argues that universal preK isn't the way to help vulnerable children. But @JoeBiden’s plan goes MUCH further than #preK. That's just 1 paragraph in a detailed plan on #childcare for 0-5 (access & quality), #ECEworkforce, infrastructure (here's more: https://www.newamerica.org/education-policy/edcentral/biden-child-care-crisis/)
It oversimplifies 2 studies ( #HeadStart Impact & TN preK) to conclude pre-K doesn’t help kids long-term. In both studies kids who attended pre-K outperformed those who didn’t at year end. Quality was found to be inconsistent across both programs & neither program is universal.
Pre-K is not an inoculation. Good preK must be followed by quality K-3. @NewAmericaEd has written many posts on TN preK since 2015. Most recent explains 2019 follow-up by same researchers finding preK kids with strong K-3 teachers DID sustain gains: https://www.newamerica.org/education-policy/edcentral/new-lessons-tennessee-pre-k-and-what-comes-next/
Keep in mind there are MANY other studies on preK showing short and long-term benefits. Check out those on the impact of preK in OK, GA, Montgomery County, Boston, NJ, and WV --just to name a few. Or this review of 20+ preK programs from @LPI_Learning: https://learningpolicyinstitute.org/product/untangling-evidence-preschool-effectiveness-report
The author says universal preK isn't the right approach to help the most vulnerable kids, but evidence suggests all kids benefit from economically integrated preK classrooms. Universal access doesn’t guarantee integration, but it’s 1 step. https://ny.chalkbeat.org/2018/1/26/21104214/economically-integrated-early-childhood-settings-are-good-for-kids-yet-they-are-rare.
The author says it is parents, not preK, that makes the difference. Well let's do more to equip parents to do their best then! Social supports & wraparound services, give them knowledge & resources to choose what is best for their families. Limiting preK access is not the answer.
TL;DR Quality preK helps prepare kids for K. All kids can benefit & those facing certain challenges often benefit more. PreK is one important piece of a larger system that supports kids. We also need #homevisiting, #childcare & strong K-3. @JoeBiden's plans address these too /END
