Linda Bakken|Nola Brown|Barry Downing
Early Childhood Education: The Long-Term Benefits
Wichita State University|Wichita State University|Wichita State University
study designed substantiate positive longterm outcomes demonstrated children economically disadvantaged homes received highquality early education children attended opportunity project top early learning centers midwestern city united states matched like control sample local school system followed kindergarten 4th grade 3rd 4th grades standardized state assessment outcomes math reading collected two groups data also collected discipline referrals attendance rates special education placements grades 4th grade top group scored significantly higher math reading tests top children significantly higher attendance rates control group 4th grade top students significantly fewer discipline referrals top students identified special education earlier moved mainstream classes sooner control group year teachers top graduates completed questionnaires comparing top students remaining students classes three social variables appropriate behaviors social interactions emotional maturity results indicated top children used significantly appropriate behaviors significantly better social interactions significantly emotionally mature nontop peers