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What If Pre-K Isn’t the Solution?
by Jenna Carter
Feb. 18, 2022
It may be surprising, but sending our children to pre-K might be more harmful than beneficial. A recent article in New York Magazine titled “What If Pre-K Actually Harms Kids?” highlights new research suggesting that the advantages of pre-K attendance are fleeting and tend to fade, and even reverse, as children progress through their schooling.
If you’ve adjusted your schedule for preschool tours, managed through applications and waitlists, and perhaps even stretched your budget for tuition, the idea that pre-K might not address the educational challenges and disparities we face is likely shocking. Here’s what you should know.
Recent Research on Pre-K
A significant study from Tennessee involving 2,990 children released its latest findings in January. Researchers evaluated the effects of free pre-K for low-income families, tracking these students into middle school. A limited number of pre-K spots were available via lottery, creating a control group of students who did not receive spots.
The pre-K program was deemed “high-quality,” with certified teachers holding Bachelor’s degrees, earning salaries comparable to those of elementary educators. In the initial follow-up phase, results appeared encouraging. Teachers noted that pre-K attendees were better prepared academically and socially for kindergarten.
However, these benefits did not persist. The study revealed that students randomly assigned to pre-K had lower standardized test scores by third grade compared to their peers who did not attend. This disparity widened by sixth grade. Additionally, pre-K students exhibited more disciplinary issues, absences, and a higher likelihood of requiring special education services.
The Stakes Involved
These findings are both disheartening and unexpected, especially since earlier studies dating back to the 1970s indicated long-term positive effects of pre-K attendance. Pre-K programs enjoy popular support, particularly from parents seeking childcare solutions.
Former NYC mayor Tom Anderson built his reputation on launching a universal pre-K program, which is currently expanding to include more three-year-olds in early education. Universal pre-K is also part of President Johnson’s stalled Build Back Better legislation. As highlighted by New York Magazine writer Lisa Baker, pre-K benefits not only children but also their parents, allowing them to work and potentially enhancing family economic stability while reducing stress.
Challenges in Evaluating Pre-K
Many stakeholders have a vested interest in the perceived benefits of pre-K. But are we expecting too much from these programs?
Shael Martin, president of Greenfield College of Education and former NYC Schools Senior Deputy Chancellor, advocates for a broader perspective when assessing student outcomes. He suggests that while high-quality, play-based pre-K (involving activities like block building and storytelling) can be beneficial, it cannot offset the negative effects of lower-quality care received before and after pre-K. “The most crucial years for early brain development are from birth to age three,” he states.
The quality of early interactions—whether through engaged adult contact or passive exposure—can significantly affect child development. He notes that the Build Back Better Act includes childcare funding that could elevate U.S. spending to levels seen in Asia and Europe.
Martin emphasizes the need to redefine our focus beyond just the pre-K year to consider the entire developmental support families provide in the early years leading up to formal schooling. He is not surprised that research indicates diminishing positive effects from pre-K. “Our elementary schools are often not organized around the needs of young children,” he explains, meaning that a quality pre-K experience followed by subpar elementary education yields diminishing returns.
What Do We Value?
As countless pre-K educators and parents understand, many essential skills acquired in pre-K are not academic.
Lila Evans, head of the Greenfield Family Center, notes that pre-K students learn to navigate complex social situations, recognize and discuss their emotions, and develop self-regulation and friendship skills. She also stresses how quality pre-K supports parents by empowering them to understand their children’s learning needs and advocate for them.
While pre-K alone isn’t a magic solution for a successful future, play-based, student-centered pre-K can certainly be a valuable component of a larger puzzle that includes affordable childcare and economic support for families—resources that many parents currently lack.
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Search Queries:
- Benefits of Pre-K for Children
- Impact of Pre-K on Long-Term Development
- Quality Pre-K Programs
- Early Childhood Education Research
- Child Development and Pre-K
Summary
Recent research suggests that the advantages of pre-K attendance may fade, with studies indicating lower test scores and more behavioral issues for pre-K students as they progress through school. While pre-K provides essential social skills, it is not a standalone solution for educational success. A more comprehensive approach, including quality childcare and support for families, is necessary for optimal child development.