Tennessee House Republican Caucus

Dunn: Report Shoots Down the Myth of Pre-K

06-Jun-2011
(NASHVILLE, June 7, 2011) – Last Friday, the Office of the Comptroller released the details of a long-awaited final, summary report on the impact of pre-kindergarten in Tennessee classrooms.

The study was conducted by Strategic Research Group to investigate the short- and long-term effects of state-funded Pre-Kindergarten (Pre-K)1participation on academic outcomes in Kindergarten through Fifth Grade through an examination of existing school records (i.e., secondary data). The evaluation was structured to take place over a multi-year timeframe and in a series of reporting stages.

After having time to review the details of the study, Representative Bill Dunn (R—Knoxville) pointed to the results as proof that his belief that pre-k can actually hamper efforts in the classroom instead of helping students achieve.

“This report should serve a s a revelation for individuals who still believe pre-k is some sort of salve for long-term achievement in education,” said Rep. Dunn. “The fact is, it just isn’t.”

“Instead of dithering in the fantasy of pre-k, we should ensure actual education reforms help our youngest students succeed. We should equip our parents with all the tools they need to stay informed about their child’s progress, reward our high-performing teachers for their hard work, and recruit the best and brightest educators to our State. Tennessee’s education resources are best spent on these types of reforms that benefit all students, not a program like pre-k where the evidence shows children are actually put behind the ball,” concluded the Knox County Republican.

The full report is available on the Comptroller's OREA website at the following address:

http://www.comptroller1.state.tn.us/OREA