ExchangeEveryDay Past Issues

What were the gains made by the low income children in the segregated groups that came from homes where English was spoken? Without that information how can we assume the gains made were not because of the primary language spoken in the home?

As one of the authors of this study -- of course we were focused on all students... as were all the programs. Not really sure what the point of the editor's comment is.

Middle income students made larger gains that expected as well -- but not as large as the low income students in economically integrated setting. Thus to gap was being closed -- at a much faster rate than for students in all low income settings (whose gains were very slight). At least in CT, the vast majority of public $$ goes to economically isolated low income programs. This study suggestes that we need to look at our public policy to incentivise more mixed income settings for children.
Given what we know about the importance of vocabulary and the huge advantages that upper middle class children have in this skill set entering preschool -- this study shows that lower income students can make up some of the ground on vocabulary in just on year of preschool. And if the program is economically integrated -- make up is more likely and to a greater degree.

What jumped out for me was the out-dated term "integrated". Programs that are open to children with and without identified special needs are "inclusion" programs.

Out with the old, and in with the new. And not just because it's politically correct! The language we use has the power to educate, change attitudes, and reflect how mandates translate into everyday practice that's better for children, families & communities.

I too want to know how ALL children faired not only on the test but socially and academically as well.

I agree with the Editor's Notes. Most research done on preschool children focuses on the under achieving children who are from low income areas. This viewpoint creates the tunnel vision that all low income children are "at risk". Educators want to know how all young children are developing in all areas, especially in social development. Children come from a plethora of diverse situations. In order to stamp out the"isms" tolerance building in an integated setting is an important reality.