Posted on 08/14/2006 10:32:46 AM PDT by GoldwaterFellow
Universal preschool sounds like a political winner but families lose out.
Policymakers talk about "fiscal responsibility," but few put that principle into action. Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney deserves applause for doing just that by vetoing a universal preschool bill last week. It's easy to see why many politicians view universal preschool as a political winner. Voters picture smiling four-year-olds heading off to begin a life-time of learning. Presumably, the extra year of school will give these children a leg up.
While proponents boast that preschool has a dramatic affect on student outcomes, there is scant evidence to support this claim. A study by Goldwater Institute President Darcy Olsen found no evidence that preschool helps mainstream children learn more. Moreover, some studies show that preschool can actually impede social development.
Any positive effects from preschool are short-lived. A University of California Santa Barbara study found that academic gains made by children in preschool vanished by third grade.
Voters and policymakers should also consider if government should be in the business of educating children as young as two. Universal preschool is another step in the creeping takeover of family responsibilities. It may sound like a political winner, but when government expands, we all lose.
Carrie Lukas is the vice president for policy and economics at the Independent Women's Forum and a senior fellow at the Goldwater Institute. A longer version of this article appeared on National Review Online.
*Mark your calendar! Carrie Lukas will be at the Goldwater Institute on September 21 to talk about her new book, The Politically Incorrect Guide to Women, Sex, and Feminism.
Why should we give the government school brainwashers an extra year to indoctrinate our children?
The government has a horrible track record for educating our children. They need to address the problems in the public education system, not expand it's scope.
"Universal preschool is another step in the creeping takeover of family responsibilities."
Nuff said.
Very, very bad idea. They want to add another year of government indoctrination of our children. If you love your children and grandchildren, do not send them to government schools.
academic gains made by children in preschool vanished by third grade.
A sad commentary on the state of public schools...
Unbelievably there are people who don't think that this country is on a socialist nanny state track.
Atlas needs to shrug already.
I think there's something to be said for the idea that children -- especially boys -- aren't really prepared to function well in a classroom environment until they reach the age of 7 (this is when Scandinavian countries typically begin formal schooling). What this study is telling us is that by the time kids reach the third grade, it really doesn't matter when they began school because by that time everyone is pretty much ordered toward that kind of classroom environment.
Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney deserves applause for doing just that by vetoing a universal preschool bill last week.
Another good thing to hear about Romney. Run Romney Run.
Public schools are so bad that they can eradicate any educational gains made.
Shalom.
He didn't have the same attitude when he signed that universal health care bill, did he?
tax payers footing the bill for free babysitters
Before age five, and even after age five, children need the security of what they are accustomed to - the best being home with a caring mom. The only reason the government is suggesting universal preschool is they want to begin indoctrination and regimentation earlier than age five, in order to obtain control more easily. This is a very bad idea. Tragically, all day kindergarten is already in force in many places. Actually, IMHO, the ideal solution is NO PUBLIC SCHOOL AT ALL. Homeschooling has been a rich experience for both parent and child. Moms who care enough to stay home with their kids are the heroines. But with so many fractured marriages today, Mom is often the breadwinner. A qualified live in housekeeper, babysitter, or a loving grandmother, in this case, would be far preferable to all day government run school for preschoolers. For married parents, priorities must be seriously examined. Our children are the future.
I'm not sure of any of those details. He seems to be practical, i read he had a clean back ground, and that he is against amnesty for illegals. I'll have to back and look at it. He just looks better than any one else to me, with my first focus being anti amnesty.
Universal pre-school? Another horrible idea. Sounds more like government subsidized day care to me.
Or perhaps they're just getting kids ready for the fine "socialization" experiences that only the government schools can provide. I recoil at the thought....
Pay your taxes - illegal alien kids are going to be entitled to this as well. :)
Richmond ping - someone needs to tell Timmy Kaine his universal pre-school idea doesn't work....
I completely agree with you on that point. However, as wonderful as homeschooling can be, it is not for everyone.
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