Is Universal Pre-K Really the Way to Go?

There is something just so right-sounding and attractive about the idea of Pre-K for every kid in America.  It’s just a “no-brainer”, isn’t it?  There is no doubt that the concept is gaining popularity all over the country and, of course, we have the almost 50 years of the Head Start program to guide us.  With that much experience we should be able to make an informed decision regarding the efficacy of pre-K.

Yes, we should be able to, but as usual we don’t.  Recent studies have shown that although there can be a spike in a pre-K youngster’s IQ, it doesn’t last past third grade.  Much, if not all, of the studies showing worthwhile positive educational results look at small pre-K programs that are specifically targeted at lower income families.  This is rather like cherry picking your data; these results will almost certainly not hold true for a universal program.

Currently there is a mini-battle going on in New York between the new mayor of New York the City and the governor of New York the State and the point at issue is not whether pre-K offers a positive cost-benefit but simply how many billions they want to spend on it.  The new progressive mayor of NYC, Bill de Blasio, wants to shell out lots of billions for the program, financed through a typical (for progressives) tax-the-rich scheme.  Governor Cuomo, with an election in the near future, wants to take it easy on taxes for a while, so he’s not talking nearly as generous with the taxpayers’ money.

The point is that neither of the two gentlemen even questions if it is even worth it.  Universal pre-K has become etched in the stone tablet of Progressive commandments and by God, (or by something that’s not quite God), they’re going to have it.  Sort of like universal health care, one dare not question unless one wants their full righteous wrath to fall upon one’s benighted head.

Universal Pre-K = Universal Day Care?

In a way, it’s also a bit like Common Core State Standards, which sounded like such a good idea when it first saw the light, but when finally implemented has been revealed to be something quite different. Universal pre-K is beginning to look like it might be less than promised, especially when considering the costs.  Could it be more likely a step to universal day care (another lofty progressive goal) where those who know what’s best for us can begin early indoctrination of your child in the correct way to live in and see the world?

For some very good analyses of the issue continue on to the links below and tell us what you think!

A closer look at Obama’s universal pre-K proposal (Powerline)

Universal pre-K remains a dubious idea (Powerline)

The Dubious Promise of Universal Preschool (National Affairs)