Myth of Fadeout Refuted By Long-Term Positive Effects of High-Quality Pre-K
New research findings refute the myths--used by opponents of preschool for all--that pre-K benefits ultimately fade out and are of no benefit to middle-income children. Instead, the evidence concludes the opposite--that high-quality pre-K sets the stage for later success and for children from middle- and low-income families.
Edward Melhuish and colleagues found that 10-year-olds who had attended high-quality preschool scored 27 percent higher in math skills and performed better in other subjects compared to their peers who had attended low-quality preschools. Earlier studies comparing the preschoolers to children who had attended no preschool produced similar findings.
Researchers determined that the benefits for children who attend a good preschool include improved mathematics, reading and social skills over several years. Melhuish, a professor of human development at Birkbeck, University of London, says he and his colleagues found that high-quality preschools offer learning opportunities over and above what most homes can provide. Children's ability to work independently improves significantly as a result of preschool, something he points out is a high predictor of future academic success.
"Providing pre-K for all children would mean higher test scores, less school failure and increased high school graduation and college attendance," said NIEER Co-Director Steve Barnett. Melhuish agrees, saying the boosts in children's cognitive, language and social development his research found means children will benefit more from their experiences when they start school and that is likely to result in better math scores.
The U.K. study had a relatively large sample of 3,000 children from 141 preschools. The sample was divided into high- and low-income groups to discern any differences between the two. The results were remarkably similar for both.
In addition to studying the effects of preschool, the research also evaluated the influence of home environments and the effectiveness of pre-K and primary school on children's development.
Melhuish showed that all three are critical to children's development and that preschool is an important element in maximizing children's development, regardless of family background.
"The U.K. study is one of the best examples of a large study showing that children across the economic spectrum benefit from high-quality preschool education," said Barnett. What's more, it isn't the only study to show such results.
Independent reviews of all the research on preschool education's effects find that they are long lasting. Scientific research that averaged across all the studies of preschool's effects in the United States since 1960 found substantial positive effects on achievement, special education, grade retention and social behavior at ages 10 and higher.
"The idea that preschool effects fade out by third grade originated with one flawed study in the early 1960s, and a small number of weak studies continue to be cited to support the idea," said Barnett. "Those opposed to public pre-K ignore the preponderance of evidence from more rigorous studies that refute their position."
Edward Melhuish and colleagues found that 10-year-olds who had attended high-quality preschool scored 27 percent higher in math skills and performed better in other subjects compared to their peers who had attended low-quality preschools. Earlier studies comparing the preschoolers to children who had attended no preschool produced similar findings.
Researchers determined that the benefits for children who attend a good preschool include improved mathematics, reading and social skills over several years. Melhuish, a professor of human development at Birkbeck, University of London, says he and his colleagues found that high-quality preschools offer learning opportunities over and above what most homes can provide. Children's ability to work independently improves significantly as a result of preschool, something he points out is a high predictor of future academic success.
"Providing pre-K for all children would mean higher test scores, less school failure and increased high school graduation and college attendance," said NIEER Co-Director Steve Barnett. Melhuish agrees, saying the boosts in children's cognitive, language and social development his research found means children will benefit more from their experiences when they start school and that is likely to result in better math scores.
The U.K. study had a relatively large sample of 3,000 children from 141 preschools. The sample was divided into high- and low-income groups to discern any differences between the two. The results were remarkably similar for both.
In addition to studying the effects of preschool, the research also evaluated the influence of home environments and the effectiveness of pre-K and primary school on children's development.
Melhuish showed that all three are critical to children's development and that preschool is an important element in maximizing children's development, regardless of family background.
"The U.K. study is one of the best examples of a large study showing that children across the economic spectrum benefit from high-quality preschool education," said Barnett. What's more, it isn't the only study to show such results.
Independent reviews of all the research on preschool education's effects find that they are long lasting. Scientific research that averaged across all the studies of preschool's effects in the United States since 1960 found substantial positive effects on achievement, special education, grade retention and social behavior at ages 10 and higher.
"The idea that preschool effects fade out by third grade originated with one flawed study in the early 1960s, and a small number of weak studies continue to be cited to support the idea," said Barnett. "Those opposed to public pre-K ignore the preponderance of evidence from more rigorous studies that refute their position."
1 comment:
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Preschool In Pune
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