80 percent.
That’s how many superintendents across the country think too little is being invested in early education, according to a recent Gallup poll.
The poll, conducted this past June, also found that 77 percent of superintendents agreed that early education has “a great deal” of impact on the long-term success of students in school. Additionally, 63 percent said there was not enough access to high-quality programs.
The cause of these views boils down to another key finding: only 16 percent of school system leaders think children walk into kindergarten classrooms fully prepared. In other words, there is a lot of work to be done to help children be ready for school and life.
Gallup found that “superintendents’ views that young children in their state are not prepared for school success may stem from their understanding that there is a lack of access to quality early childhood care and education programs. A majority of superintendents note a lack of state investment in these often-costly programs, leaving many families to find and pay for the care and education of their young children. This places a particular burden on low-income families.”
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To read Gallup’s survey of U.S. public school superintendents, click here.
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