Early Education, briefly

This is an info-graphic from the Economic Policy Institute's Broader, Bolder Approach to Education's National campaign to bring proven educational reforms to the schools. I am posting it because it provides a general overview of some reforms that I was a part of and also advocating. My focus for the past few months has been to read economic research papers, position papers from advocacy organizations, and think tank reports on early education. 

I am quite amazed at how solid the research is in demonstrating the positive long-term economic, academic and social effects of early education. Once the scope of the evidence is considered, it becomes quite clear where the priorities of the Schenectady City School District should be. Generally, I am planning a more structured review of the research that I have conducted in the near future, education investment has the greatest returns, economically, socially and academically for the youngest learners. If we do not apply this proven fact when we allocate our meager resources, we are perpetuating the systemic injustices facing our most vulnerable children.

By the age of 5, we must ensure that our kids can read at least one language as well as music; and they should be conversant with basic scientific principles of how out world works. I am no expert in the all of the appropriate milestones, but we need to ensure that the professionals that work with our youngest learners are knowledgeable in the application of all of the most advanced research on early learning. This is mission can not squander the precious time window that these kids have with unqualified helpers. 

The two basic things that I have learned from the research is that there are diminishing returns to education investment as the child ages; and the broad based benefits to early education are significant and persistent. 

 When I am on the School Board I will work to shift the districts priorities from austerity budgets for early education to increased investment. As someone who does not want to waste precious resources and limited opportunities, I am determined to use our school budgets for purposes that have been proven to have the largest benefit to society.