advancing quality pre-k in all states
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Advancing Quality Pre-K in ALL States
Sara WatsonThe Pew Charitable Trusts
Speaking of child outcomes… meet Owen Hernandez
Owen is a loveable four year old bursting with a drive to learn.
Attending a dual language pre-k in Texas was his first school experience.
A grocery store
At the beginning of the year, Owen could not write his name and his representational drawings were difficult to identify. During circle time he talked to the teacher as if he was the only child there. He stood up and explored the classroom. While walking in a line to the cafeteria, he wandered off into the yard.
Later, he could use drawings to represent places and things
Post-Assessment: What did you see at the fire station?
Pre-k provided Owen the opportunity to learn English and how to operate within a school setting. He developed his vocabulary in both English and Spanish, learned how to handle a book, became adept at using the computer, drawing, writing letters, and counting.
Advancing Quality Pre-K for All
In 2001, Pew Charitable Trusts started its initiative “Advancing Quality Pre-Kindergarten for All,” to encourage quality early learning opportunities for all 3 and 4 year olds
Public education campaigns in over half the states
In 2004, 14 states increased opportunities for pre-k In 2005, 26 states did so – half the states had Republican governors, half had Democrats
Illinois a national leader
Source: National Institute for Early Education Research, 2005
Legislative Action on Pre-K Budgets Fiscal Year 2006
Exciting Progress in 2006(in addition to Illinois)
Tennessee - increased high quality pilot by 57%
Texas – included children of military families
California – no to ballot initiative but then $100 M new money
New York – 4 years ago, governor tried to eliminate program. Now $50 M of increased funding
Massachusetts – legislature passed pre-k for all 4’s unanimously, but vetoed by governor. They’ll be back.
Louisiana – yes Louisiana – increased funding by $1.5 M
What we don’t mean by quality pre-k for all
High pressure
Low quality/only care about access
Academic only
Prek for all = same size fits all
Prek for all = every single child right now
Only 4’s
Only in schools
Ignore parents
Mandatory
Silver bullet
What we do mean
Fun – “can I go to pre-K?”
Improving quality AND access (TN)
Social/emotional development plus wrap around
Core for all plus more for at-risk
Prek for all = Goal of all, reach most, over time (Arkansas)
3’s and 4’s
Diverse settings, parent choice (NY)
Support parents too
Absolutely voluntary
Essential but not sufficient – children need other supports as well (Illinois)
What the Trusts’ initiative offers
Infrastructure of organizations Technical assistance and financial support Help with communications and messages Peer network Research including state data Help in engaging key constituencies (business,
law enforcement, K-12, seniors, physicians, media)
National Grantee Partners
Committee for Economic DevelopmentEducation Law CenterEducation Writers AssociationFight Crime: Invest in KidsHechinger Institute on Education and the MediaNational Association of Elementary School PrincipalsNational Conference of State LegislaturesNational Institute for Early Education ResearchNational School Boards AssociationPre-K Now
Bottom line...
Each state needs to make its own decisions about how to support kids and families but…
Momentum is growing – with Illinois leading the way
Many ways to start Window of opportunity is open now
For more information…
Sara Watson, swatson@pewtrusts.org, 202-552-2134
www.pewtrusts.org www.preknow.org www.nieer.org www.startingat3.org (Ed Law Center) www.fightcrime.org www.ced.orgwww.ewa.orgwww.tc.columbia.edu/hechinger
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