On June 4th, I wrote an article on what was then Proposition 82-- a movement to provide free preschool to all 3-5 year olds in California with free preschool in an effort to raise the state's sagging test scores among early elementary school students.
Now, Assembly Bill No. 172 has passed the Assembly and the Senate on August 30 and 29, respectively. It is presently awaiting the signature of Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger.
This bill would provide 50 million dollars for these schools. Many members of the educational community are excited about the possibilities, both to increase the future scores of school age students, but to provide quality preschool to families that would otherwise never be able to afford it.
The bill itself states:
"A compelling body of respected research demonstrates that quality preschool programs benefit children and their families, the public school system, public safety, the economy, and society as a whole."
"California has an enormous opportunity to reach children at a time when they are eager and ready to learn. 90 percent of brain development takes place before age five, making early childhood the best time to invest in preschool programs that boost learning, creativity, and social skills. Preschool programs lay a strong foundation that helps children succeed in school and in life."
"Quality preschool experiences boost academic achievement in school, decrease grade retention, decrease special education placements, and increase graduation rates. Quality preschool further reduces the likelihood of later arrest and incarceration, and increases college attendance and earnings in adulthood. A recent Rand Corporation report states that every dollar invested in quality preschool in California would return as much as two to four dollars to the public."
To see the full text of the bill, as well as track the path to coming into use, click here.
To see more information on this bill, please visit my original article, Universal Preschool?.
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