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May 9, 2008
Kickin' it pre-K styleBoardBuzz was excited to see our friends at the Center for Public Education making the case for pre-K this week. In the story, out of Orlando's Channel 13, the CPE's Patte Barth makes the case that pre-K education is essential to student success later on.
Pre-Kindergarten is where kids start learning vocabulary, shapes and colors, and the big sell for voluntary pre-K is that it's free.Florida leads the country in voluntary pre-K with nearly two-thirds of 4-year-olds in the program last year. Experts say they need more students to get the money they need.
"The benefits are really an investment. It's good for kids, but it's also good for communities because that investment pays off," said Patte Barth, the director of the Center for Public Education.
According to the Center for Public Education, every dollar spent for pre-K can save up to $16 in public education because fewer students need to be placed in special education classes, and that means fewer students are held back.
Also, studies show pre-kindergarten education increases test scores and graduation rates.
"We're not putting little children in desks, giving them worksheets, giving them a strong academic program. No, play is important," Barth said.
Indeed, play is important. And so is a quality pre-K education. For more on pre-K, visit the Center's pre-K topic area, and be sure to sign up for the e-newsletter.
Posted May 9, 2008 12:55 PM | Advocacy & Legislation | Early Childhood Education | School Boards | Students
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