NCLB + UPK = A Mess, Or A Great Opportunity?

Considering early childhood education in the context of NCLB has to make universal preschool advocates more than a little nervous.  You saw how wide they steered away from Head Start reauthorization.  And NCLB, including Reading First, already has more than enough baggage. 

And yet, a revamped NCLB that doesn't focus much at all on early childhood doesn't make much sense.  The learning deficits start early.  Even with Reading First NCLB is predominantly a 3-8 program.    Once NCLB is done, it might be hard to do a standalone UPK initiative.

That's why New America is doing a post-Thanksgiving event on the topic and releasing a new report November 29. To RSVP for this event, reply to this email: communications@newamerica.net with name, affiliation, and contact information.

NB:  NAF honcho Mike Dannenberg and I worked on the Hill at the same time way back in the day, and I've done some writing and editing for them in the past. 

Comments

[steve mitchel]

RF and NCLB is "predominantly a grades 3-8 program"?

Ignorance is (Scholastic) bliss?