Comments on: Universal pre-K: 21st century boondoggle http://www.joannejacobs.com/2009/05/universal-pre-k-21st-century-boondoggle/ Thinking and Linking by Joanne Jacobs Fri, 10 Feb 2012 11:52:13 +0000 hourly 1 By: Jamie http://www.joannejacobs.com/2009/05/universal-pre-k-21st-century-boondoggle/#comment-46801 Jamie Fri, 29 May 2009 16:43:40 +0000 http://joannejacobs.com/?p=9058#comment-46801 There are studies that show the long term benefit of early childhood education is huge - more than 100% ROI. I'm not saying that the Head Start program specifically is the best option, but promoting early childhood education is an important goal for the competitiveness of the country. There's more detail about the studies here: http://education-blog.kindercare.com/2009/05/our-most-important-investment-the-education-of-our-future-generation/ There are studies that show the long term benefit of early childhood education is huge – more than 100% ROI. I’m not saying that the Head Start program specifically is the best option, but promoting early childhood education is an important goal for the competitiveness of the country.

There’s more detail about the studies here: http://education-blog.kindercare.com/2009/05/our-most-important-investment-the-education-of-our-future-generation/

]]> By: Tracy http://www.joannejacobs.com/2009/05/universal-pre-k-21st-century-boondoggle/#comment-46800 Tracy Sun, 24 May 2009 20:05:23 +0000 http://joannejacobs.com/?p=9058#comment-46800 I work at Head Start. I am truly dismayed to see federal and state govt's pouring money into 4 yo Kindergarten programs while they gut funding for Head Start programs. Much of what 4K amounts to is a day care subsidy for middle class families whose kids have the skills needed to be successful in Kindergarten. I take issue with the statement,....."fails to overhaul expensive but woefully ineffectual efforts such as Head Start." Head Start programs benefit low income children and their families in ways that "follow up assessments" will never reveal. It's about empowering parents to be involved and supported in their children's education, and teaching children the social behaviors that will help them succeed in school. Its mission is so much broader than learning your ABC's and colors. Head Start programs are woefully underfunded because the people running this country don't care about poor kids and their families. I haven't had a raise in 4 years and we are cutting 94 slots next fall, yet we still hear about the need for 4K programs. I work at Head Start. I am truly dismayed to see federal and state govt’s pouring money into 4 yo Kindergarten programs while they gut funding for Head Start programs. Much of what 4K amounts to is a day care subsidy for middle class families whose kids have the skills needed to be successful in Kindergarten.

I take issue with the statement,…..”fails to overhaul expensive but woefully ineffectual efforts such as Head Start.” Head Start programs benefit low income children and their families in ways that “follow up assessments” will never reveal. It’s about empowering parents to be involved and supported in their children’s education, and teaching children the social behaviors that will help them succeed in school. Its mission is so much broader than learning your ABC’s and colors.

Head Start programs are woefully underfunded because the people running this country don’t care about poor kids and their families. I haven’t had a raise in 4 years and we are cutting 94 slots next fall, yet we still hear about the need for 4K programs.

]]> By: bandit http://www.joannejacobs.com/2009/05/universal-pre-k-21st-century-boondoggle/#comment-46799 bandit Mon, 18 May 2009 17:18:02 +0000 http://joannejacobs.com/?p=9058#comment-46799 Who's he arguing with? More taxpayer funded daycare and union jobs - what the future holds. Who’s he arguing with? More taxpayer funded daycare and union jobs – what the future holds.

]]> By: pm http://www.joannejacobs.com/2009/05/universal-pre-k-21st-century-boondoggle/#comment-46798 pm Mon, 18 May 2009 14:21:07 +0000 http://joannejacobs.com/?p=9058#comment-46798 I've read "There are no Shortcuts", which is the story of a teacher giving his students the chance to experience an intensive fifth grade year. Anyone know of any larger scale attempts to vary the intensity of education experience over time? I'm wondering if that might be more effective than just increasing the time children spend in school. I’ve read “There are no Shortcuts”, which is the story of a teacher giving his students the chance to experience an intensive fifth grade year. Anyone know of any larger scale attempts to vary the intensity of education experience over time? I’m wondering if that might be more effective than just increasing the time children spend in school.

]]>