Tennessee pre-k and the third-grade fade: truth or politics?
It’s been interesting to watch reaction in the state of Tennessee to research showing that students who participate in pre-kindergarten programs do better than their peers for their first two years of school, but have no advantage at all by the time they get to third-grade. Stories in The Tennessean ‘s office on the effectiveness [...]
New rules, role for Head Start lauded with release of new research
EarlyStories examined some suggested new rules for Head Start recently, and now a leading expert on early childhood is lauding the Obama administration in a Washington Post op-ed for proposing a new system he says could force much-needed improvements to the $8 billion program for 3- and 4-year-olds. The op-ed makes it clear that what [...]
In California, no more four-year-olds in kindergarten
For years, parents and educators have debated the starting age for kindergarten, and it still varies widely — sometimes from state to state, and sometimes within different districts in the same state. Parents with children close to the cut-off date for turning five (as late as Dec. 31st) in some states have long agonized about [...]
Preschool depression and poverty
The New York Times Magazine has a story about depression among preschoolers this week, which asks whether depression can be diagnosable among young children, and, if so, where it might come from. The article suggests that maternal depression can play a role, but is not definitive. The author writes: “Despite the assumption that these kids [...]
Wait, does study mean kindergarten teachers should be paid more?
It’s well established that children who skip kindergarten typically fall behind their classmates, and much research points to the value of a high-quality pre-kindergarten experience coming first. There has been less discussion about the impact of a kindergarten teacher on the future earnings of little learners. A new study that made its way to the [...]
Hard times for U.S. children: How do we count the ways?
It’s difficult to quantify just how difficult times are for U.S. children, and the myriad ways a weakened economy and record joblessness are taking their toll on childhood. A series of recent reports paint a bleak and frightening picture that adds to the anecdotal evidence so readily available from large cities to small rural communities. [...]
Shopping for Pre-K curriculums? A guide to the best, and worst.
Johns Hopkins researchers have tried to pinpoint the best early childhood programs in a new study. The report looks a bit like a Consumer Reports rating guide for those shopping for the best prekindergarten curriculum, so instead of vacuum cleaners, you can find ratings for programs like the Curiosity Corner, a program by the Success [...]
Why Finland gets early childhood education right
It’s always fascinating to hear how other countries handle the education of their littlest learners, and even better to participate in a discussion with top educators on the subject. EarlyStories had a chance to converse on BAm! Radio with Linda Darling-Hammond, the Stanford University researcher and professor, and John R. Burbank, the executive director of [...]
Follow children’s lead to help them succeed
The American Center for Children and the Media and Teachers College hosted a fun and provocative discussion this morning between Ellen Galinsky, author of the book Mind in the Making: The Seven Essential Life Skills Every Child Needs and Lisa Guernsey, the director of the Early Education Initiative at the New America Foundation. The book [...]
In Baltimore, pre-k attendance means higher test scores later on
There may be disagreement about what students should learn and when, but superintendents across the U.S. generally hare a common goal of raising test scores — even if it means they don’t always agree on how to get there. So it was interesting to read what happened to test scores of first and second graders [...]
