Head Start gains don’t last

Education Week reports (may be free access) that yet another study of the federally supported preschool program called Head Start shows the preschool program gives students a head start, but it doesn’t last past first grade.

The study raises questions about the efficacy of preschool programs. It mirrors earlier reports that came to the same conclusion.

Kentucky needs a clearer understanding of this situation before we try to expand preschool programs. We hear a lot from educators and other boosters about the value of preschool programs, but Head Start studies, which are some of the most extensive conducted in this area, continue to raise questions about that.