News Brief
Report Demonstrates Continuing Value of Preschool for New Jersey's Poorest Kids
NJ Spotlight (03/20/2013) Mooney, JohnAccording to a recent National Institute for Early Education Research report that tracked 1,000 preschool students in 15 poor districts in New Jersey, by the time students attending pre-K programs in the poorest cities reached fourth or fifth grade, they were an average of three-quarters of an academic year ahead of their peers who did not attend pre-K. The Abbott Preschool Program Longitudinal Effects Study also found that these pre-K students were less likely to be held back a grade or routed to special education services. The pre-K program, funded by the state and ordered by the courts, specifies two years of full-day classes, certified teachers, and research-based curriculum, with class sizes limited to 15 students. The report indicates, "The magnitude of the test-score gains from one year are equivalent to 10 percent to 20 percent of the achievement gap between minority and white students. The gains from two years are equivalent to 20 percent to 40 percent of the achievement gap." New Jersey Education Commissioner Chris Cerf is pleased with the results and hopes to spread best practices to other districts. "We are energized by these findings and are grateful to the educators that work tirelessly for these results. We are committed to continuing to share successful practices from these programs with educators across the state to help all children receive high-quality early learning opportunities," he says.
To read the full article, click here
This news brief was summarized for Chiefline, CCSSO's weekly newsletter. Click here to receive Chiefline in your inbox weekly. Newsbrief Copyright 2012 INFORMATION, INC.