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Group Claims Pre-K Program Not Worth the Money-Laura Faber
Is the Governor's expensive Pre-K program worth the money?
One group says no, but others say that's not the case.
A recent Pre-K report ordered by the state reveals data that is being interpreted differently- depending who you talk to.
Some say it shows Governor Bredesen's Pre-K program is not worth the dollars that support it.
Pre-K advocates say not so fast.
The program was launched in 2005 by Governor Bredesen for low income and at risk kids.
Mother Simone Moore says the Pre-K helped her son Isaiah not only with academics, but boosted his confidence too.
Moore says, "His favorite part about it- he used to say mom I love my homework, I love my friends, he loved doing work- it made him feel smart."
But a recent study by the strategic research group
gives mixed reviews.
It shows the state's Pre-K program is an extremely effective Kindergarten readiness program, but casts doubt on any long term benefit.
Dr. Phillip Doss with State Research and Education says, "By the end of second grade, by 3 years after Pre-K, the positive effects have faded."
Nashville Vice Mayor Diane Neighbors, who has a Doctoral degree in education, disagrees.
Neighbors says, "If you talk to Kindergarten teachers and parents they can tell you what a difference it makes when a child is in a quality Pre-K program."
Neighbors has serious reservations because the study sampled a small number of students in pre-school, prior to the Governor's initiative.
She says it's too early to draw conclusions on how well the Pre-K program is doing.
Simone Mooore says she doesn't need any report to prove Pre-K made a world of difference to her son, and will continue to.
Moore says, "I didn't graduate from high school myself. I love getting my son, his mind prepared for school in general."
The study is still following children enrolled in the state's Pre-K program before and after it began.
It will be released January of 2010.
That's when Pre-K advocates say it'll be time to draw conclusions.
Group Claims Pre-K Program Not Worth the Money-Laura Faber
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