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Leader Lessons

As the ranks of pre-k supporters grow across the country, we think it is important to spotlight powerful lessons from leaders in the pre-k movement. Whether from elected officials, researchers, educators, or others, we believe these lessons can inspire not just great pre-k policy but exceptional new leadership as well.

Our Most Recent Lesson
Why "Kids-First" Politics is a Winning Strategy
by David L. Kirp

Aside from baby-kissing photo ops, candidates typically ignore children's needs, and that's been true in the 2008 presidential race. The only Republican candidate with a track record to speak of is Mitt Romney, and it's not an encouraging one – as Massachusetts governor, he vetoed preschool legislation. The Democrats don't look much better. Although Bill Richardson and John Edwards backed preschool initiatives in the past, only Hillary Clinton has promoted early education as a federal priority. Otherwise the silence has been deafening.

That's misguided policy thinking and bad politics as well.

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Votes Count FY11
Redefining ESEA
Looking for resources on pre-k and the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA)? See our web page and PowerPoint presentation on the topic here.
visit our ESEA web page
see our PowerPoint presentation (PDF)
Explore the Pre-K Evidence
Our collection of original reports and links to other studies will give you a deeper view into pre-k policy.
browse reports on pre-k
The Case for Pre-K in Education Reform
Fifty years of evidence shows that high-quality, voluntary pre-k is among the best strategies for education reform. Our brief highlights findings from the latest state pre-k program evaluations that continue to document gains in key measures of student learning, including early literacy, math and vocabulary; reduced need for special and remedial education; and lower incidences of grade retention.
read the brief (PDF)
Good parenting is enhanced by a high-quality pre-k program.