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Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Are we slipping in pre-K?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
One of Georgia’s long-standing achievements was being the first state to offer universal voluntary pre-kindergarten. But Georgia’s pre-k success isn’t what it once was, according to a report from the Atlanta-based Southern Education Foundation.
“While it remains highly regarded, Georgia Pre-K no longer leads in the nation in any vital area: enrollment, high-quality standards, or per-child expenditures,” according to the report. Read the story here.
I’ve heard parents say the state needs more pre-K classes. Some of the parents who camped out at Mary Lin Elementary this year for one of the 20 spots in that school’s single pre-K class said the state has failed to keep up with demand.
The state says it’s trying to free up more spots in pre-K classes. Part of the challenge in the metro area is some districts — like Gwinnett and Cobb counties — don’t participate in the program. Local school leaders say they need the classroom space for regular elementary school classes. Private centers also participate in the state program.
What do you think, is Georgia’s pre-K the success many said it would be? Are students starting elementary school better prepared because of this program? What needs to be done to improve pre-K?
CRCT Update: Official CRCT results are here! Use our database to check out results school by school, district by district or the whole state.
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