Many studies have shown the value of
preschool education. States have allocated some increased funding to allow more
children to have access to quality preschool programs. Children who attend
preschool arrive in kindergarten with better social skills, higher emotional
intelligence and are better equipped to manage the academic environment.
However, some studies have also
shown that the gains in language arts and mathematics skills wane by the time
children complete third grade. In other words, there is not much difference
between the math and language arts skills of third graders who attended
preschool and third graders who did not attend preschool. Does that make
preschool less important than we thought?
By one measure, yes. If we are only
interested in how well students can read, write and apply mathematical skills,
then preschool may not have much impact in helping children to reach those
milestones by the time they are in third grade. On the other hand, if we are
interested in measuring the social, economic and academic success of students
on a larger scale, then preschool may be very important. The social and
emotional skills gained at a young age can help even into adulthood as one
negotiates job interviews or resolves conflicts with spouses or co-workers.
These skills can propel success just as ably as writing or math skills, but
they cannot be measured in quite the same ways.1
Defining
success
...approximately 1,073 words remaining. You are not logged in. Please see options at the top of this page to view complete sermon.
