What Matters Most
by AFT President Randi Weingarten
Investing in a Strong Start
NY Times, May 15, 2011
If high-quality early childhood education were a stock or commodity, investors would be racing to invest in these programs that routinely yield a high rate of return. Indeed, savvy policymakers and education leaders have invested in “futures,” so to speak, by devoting funds to programs aimed at children between the ages of 3 and 5, before they start elementary school. But the ongoing economic downturn has squeezed the ability of local districts and states to support many programs that benefit young children. Now, however, we have a rare opportunity to devote much-needed federal funds to greatly expand access to high-quality preschool and other early learning programs.
Decades of experience and evidence clearly show that high-quality early childhood programs can produce significant educational and economic benefits. While such programs benefit all children, they offer a potent opportunity to level the playing field for disadvantaged children in particular—helping close the school-readiness gap and the social-skills gap, and providing a powerful vehicle to help break the cycle of poverty.
The achievement gap between children born in poverty and those of adequate means begins as early as 9 months old. By the time disadvantaged children enter elementary school, the gap often has grown so large that they begin their elementary education with a need to catch up. Too often, that gap is never closed.
Since there is such a doable way to help children keep up, America must stop playing catch-up. High-quality early learning programs lead to improved school readiness, greater literacy, decreased need for special education services,