This is what is happening every day in education. Kids are starting kindergarten with huge gaps in their readiness to learn. Some have all the tools they need, but many are just a few degrees off. Quality preschool can do wonders to narrow that gap.
It would be nice if every parent could provide a plethora of enrichment experiences for their children. But that is not always possible, for a multitude of reasons. Some kids enter first grade with a working vocabulary of only a few hundred words, while others have several thousand. If we start early, it does take much effort to change this course. But if we wait too long, the gap will continue to grow until a student is so off course that failure is the only option.
When I am King, we'll spend our resources wisely at the front end of the journey so we don't miss our target all together.
http://www.edweek.org/ew/articles/2010/01/14/18headstart.h29.html
ReplyDeleteWhen an intervention doesn't work better than the control it can be said not to work. Spending more money on an intervention that has been shown not to work is the place of the faithful.
Don't stop at preschool. The US is behind in elementary school education as well. Which is probably why the study donK pointed out had those results. The whole US education system needs an overhaul.
ReplyDelete@donK If you open your eyes while up on your high horse, you might be able to see things on a larger scale. ;)
My little one will be in preschool in a few years - thanks for making me think about this ahead of time.
ReplyDeleteSarah - preschool is the best investment you can make for your child. Enjoy watching the growth.
ReplyDeleteThe Head Start article is interesting and points out the real question to ask.
ReplyDeleteThe study compared kids in Head Start with kids who had other options. I've just glanced a bit at the executive summary, but it appears that the comparison being made here is Head Start vs either preschool or no preschool. This really doesn't say much. My assumption is that Head Start is intended as a low income preschool, not as "better than other preschools".
The proper study is Head Start vs traditional preschool vs no preschool, within similar groups. This would say how well Head Start does compared to preschools and how well preschools help students in general.
With the current study, it might be better to evaluate its cost effectiveness. The Wikipedia article on Head Start (I didn't verify any numbers, so take them with a grain of salt) gives a $7000 per student cost for Head Start. That's much higher than private preschools and on the order of day-care. Given that Head Start teacher salaries are very low, where does this money go? Is Head Start cost effective, or could more children be helped by paying the (on average lower) tuition for existing preschools?
donK - I read the article you linked me to -- and the biggest problem with head start is consistent quality. I want quality preschool programs based on the Montessori Method, staffed by our best and brightest. My aim is much higher than Head Start.
ReplyDeleteYou say the biggest problem with Head Start is consistent quality. I'd argue that's also one of the big problems with the public schools in general. It can also be a problem with private schools, but poor private schools tend to improve or go out of business. Poor public schools want more money.
ReplyDeleteMontessori is a useful method, but it isn't for everybody. I have a nephew who failed dismally with Montessori (he wouldn't stay within their structure). He's since doing ok with a different type of school within his district.
King Mike, One of the problems in the school at pre, elementary, middle and high schools is the fact there are a lot of teachers just in it for the money and do not have the heart for the job. I have meet a few of them in my school days and these days i know a few of them whom are working in the school system.. They actually do not give a hoot about the kids they are working with.
ReplyDeleteI believe to be a good teacher you actually have to have a heart and soul to reach to these kids so they can learn from you. That is the only way any type of school setting will work is with teachers with those type of qualities to get through to the students.
@Carrie
ReplyDeleteIt's a combination of a lot of things. As a teacher yes I've met those teacher too, the ones whom I'm shocked and occasionally appalled that they've ever been hired as a teacher (or even as a person since they don't seem to function well among others just in general. I can give you horror stories.)
But then I've run into people who have all the heart in the world for teaching, but absolutely no brains for it at all. They give 110% to the students, to the work, to the job but are just pulled willy nilly by this, that and the other thing (be it parents, other students, classroom sizes, after school clubs, what-have-you) that their ability to properly utilize teaching time goes out the window too.
Then there are the REALLY GOOD TEACHERS which are few and far between, but you remember them, we've all had at least one who is just damn good at their job, but even they can't do it alone. Parents, the administration, other teachers and the students themselves all have to work together to get the best out of school and life. If the teacher is the "Best teacher other" but has a student who just doesn't want to learn in a class of 40 to 60 students it's hard to stop and take the time to motivate them. Even those teachers have students that make them want to bash their heads against the wall (I know I've got two students that I've literally had nightmares about because they just don't care about school at all and disrupt my class because of it) Without the parents enforcing common courtesy at home there is nothing to be done to teach them that at school, if the administration/government doesn't care about the teachers to give them the power they need in class to teach it doesn't matter how good of a teacher you have the students who don't care to learn, wont.
I also know teachers who have just been so burnt out by uncaring students/parents/principals that they're just there to watch the kids and collect a paycheck because they've given up on being able to do anything else. Schools need a serious reform, but not just with the teachers, with everyone.
Need more speech pathologists ;)
ReplyDeletety-ping -- Well said. Having taught 38 years, I know where you're coming from. It is a frustrating, stressful & demanding job. I am glad people choose to go into the profession - I just wish they would get more support.
ReplyDeleteKing Mike, One of the problems in the school at pre, elementary, middle and high schools is the fact there are a lot of teachers just in it for the money and do not have the heart for the job. I have meet a few of them in my school days and these days i know a few of them whom are working in the school system.. They actually do not give a hoot about the kids they are working with.
ReplyDeleteI believe to be a good teacher you actually have to have a heart and soul to reach to these kids so they can learn from you. That is the only way any type of school setting will work is with teachers with those type of qualities to get through to the students.
Don't stop at preschool. The US is behind in elementary school education as well. Which is probably why the study donK pointed out had those results. The whole US education system needs an overhaul.
ReplyDelete@donK If you open your eyes while up on your high horse, you might be able to see things on a larger scale. ;)