Eric I. Knudsen|James J. Heckman|Judy L. Cameron|Jack P. Shonkoff
Economic, neurobiological, and behavioral perspectives on building America’s future workforce
Stanford University|University of Chicago|University of Pittsburgh|Brandeis University
growing proportion us workforce raised disadvantaged environments associated relatively high proportions individuals diminished cognitive social skills crossdisciplinary examination research economics developmental psychology neurobiology reveals striking convergence set common principles account potent effects early environment capacity human skill development central principles findings early experiences uniquely powerful influence development cognitive social skills brain architecture neurochemistry skill development brain maturation hierarchical processes higher level functions depend build lower level functions capacity change foundations human skill development neural circuitry highest earlier life decreases time findings lead conclusion efficient strategy strengthening future workforce economically neurobiologically improving quality life invest environments disadvantaged children early childhood years