New study shows strong gains for students who attend pre-kindergarten

A study of Tennessee public pre-kindergarten classes shows that kids who attended such classes showed gained an average 82% more on early literacy and math skills compared to children who did not attend pre-k, according to an article by Richard Locker in the Memphis Commercial Appeal. The studies will continue in order to strengthen the data, but the initial results are impressive and crucial to Tennessee’s funding for pre-kindergarten programs.

Vanderbilt professor Mark Lipsey explains, “The prime objective of Tennessee pre-K is to improve the readiness of economically disadvantaged children to enter kindergarten with better emergent literacy and math skills than they would have otherwise.” The recent study shows that this goal is certainly being reached.

To learn more, read the full article.