Pre-K - 8 Feb 06
In the previous release we discussed the HOPE scholarship.
Because Pre-K is funded by the same source as the HOPE- Georgia’s
Lotto, I decided to share my thoughts with you at this time. But, it
is not the only reason.
At the beginning of the discussion on
HOPE, I noted that HOPE was one component part of Georgia’s public
education system’s goal of improving the education level of the
population and development of our intellectual capital.
So
too is Pre-K. However, its goals are different. HOPE is a reward. It
is earned. It is only available to students that earn it. Pre-K
casts a wider net. It isn’t supposed to be earned.
Nor is it supposed to be influenced by politics. But because Pre-K
seats are not allocated strictly on the basis of
need, it is politicized.
From inception, Pre-K was intended
to stem the number of drop-outs. The theory goes like this:
earlier preparation equals improved success and better
retention. Many educators believe Pre-K is an absolute
necessity for all children. But, is it?
Kindergarten was
mandated a generation of students before Pre-K for the same reasons.
Time has proven the intended results never materialized. The
drop-out problem has not improved. Using officially published
drop-out rates, it has actually worsened. Why? Kindergarten
was just one necessary component part of an effective stay-in-school
effort. It strengthened our elementary schools. But, the
positive impact did not extend beyond the early years of the
learning experience. The point is this. By extending Georgia’s
public education system by one grade the money failed to accomplish
its intended purpose. But, it wasn’t known until several years
later.
Therefore, while the jury was still out on
kindergarten, Pre-K emerged as a natural extension. The theory was
based on the anticipation that kindergarten was achieving its goal.
Now, a generation of students after its inception, drop-outs
continue to be as bad, if not a worse
problem.
(Before anyone lays this sad fact at the
feet of the Hispanic population, let me share a couple of tidbits of
information with you. I informed the Dalton Chamber of Commerce of
the extent of the drop-out problem in 1983. Georgia had the worst
drop-out problem in the country. That was 23 years ago. I have a
document from a class I took in high school identifying Georgia’s
drop-out rate to be next to worst in the country. That was over 40
years ago. The Hispanic population didn’t even begin to grow in
Georgia until the early ‘90’s. Just the facts,
folks.)
Regardless, original proponents of
Pre-K (experts in education), have been joined by another advocacy
group. They are those that are reading this piece- “soccer moms”.
(Don’t take offense. My wife was one and so are my daughters and
daughters-in-law.) Motives are different, but support is strong.
There is a common thread between “soccer moms”, many of the
people I have discussed Pre-K and me. We are all affluent. We all
share similar aspirations for our children. Within our means, we
want the best education possible for our children. If the experts
tell us Pre-K is a necessary component of their education, despite
what we believe that may be contrary to the view of the experts, we
want them to experience it. We are also aware that we pay most of
the tax dollars that fund our schools.
Let’s put it to rest
now by being frank and honest with one another. Children of
affluent, two parent households are prepared for kindergarten. Why?
We read to them. We teach them the alphabet. We buy them books and
coloring books. We do crafts with them. We take them places to
broaden their life experiences. They travel and they receive the
proper mix of care, coddling and discipline. They are socially well
adjusted and psychologically secure. Despite the trials and
tribulations we all face when our children reach adolescence, we
know we will survive- and so will our kids. We know they will be
prepared for life, the work force or post-secondary studies. We know
they will be responsible and law abiding citizens.
The same
can’t be said of socio-economically depressed children of single
female heads of household homes where over a million of Georgia’s
children are raised. These children need Pre-K. However, if we don’t
correct the problems in our schools beyond elementary education, the
earlier and better preparation of these children will also fail to
achieve the long-term goal.
That justifies my earlier
comment regarding Pre-K as being just one component part of the
entire process. But, where does that take us.
Here’s my
bottom line. I am supportive of Pre-K even to the point of mandating
it for socio-economically depressed children. I am also a proponent
of making it exclusively for that class of children.
Before
your ire elevates, Soccer Moms, consider this. Who is going to
benefit mostly from the HOPE Plus Scholarship I disclosed in my last
release on HOPE? What is more valuable? Is one year of Pre-K more
valuable than a free master’s degree in education or a complete
education in many fields of medicine that is free?
Here’s
something else to consider. If the affluent population, which is
also the population that votes in the greatest percentages, opposes
me on my Pre-K initiative, I will lose that one. However, before you
ban together in opposition, realize the consequences. If we don’t
turn the corner with drop-outs and adult literacy, the money you
save on one year of Pre-K will come back to haunt you.
A
2003 Georgia Southern study identified the cost of Georgia’s
drop-outs to be $17.5 billion dollars annually. Yes, theoretical
measurements of economic impact account for much of that figure.
But, much of it is direct costs in the form of government assistance
programs, which are the second largest component of the state
budget.
Another component of cost that is not widely known is
the cost of crime. 80% of Georgia’s combined prisoner, probationer,
and parolee population are high school drop-outs possessing a 6th
grade education. Your taxes support over one billion dollars of
costs to the state budget alone. Crime is the second largest
component of most local budgets. We presently need six more prisons.
Hundreds of millions of dollars are needed. That’s just at the state
level. You are more familiar with local needs than I. Do the math.
What is getting what you want now going to cost you in the longer
perspective? Is it worth it? You must decide. But, before you do,
consider the following.
Our socio-economically depressed
population is the segment that exceeds two million and is growing
rapidly. So, what’s the bottom line? We pay now or we pay later. My
proposal for use of Lotto funds for Pre-K is this: mandate it
exclusively for socio-economically depressed children. Deny all
others free access.
It’s your call. I’d like to hear your
responses. I anticipate many. Therefore, don’t be disappointed if I
don’t personally respond. I’ll have a staff member monitor the
numbers that are supportive and opposed and we’ll report them to
you.
That’s it for the discussion on use of lotto funds for
education. My next release will be forthcoming soon. Until then
Until the next time,
John
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