“Every dollar we invest in high-quality early education can save more than seven dollars later on.”
Yesterday, in his annual State of the Union address to the US Congress, President Obama announced plans to introduce pre-school education for every American child from the age of 4. In his speech, he mentioned research by economists that demonstrated the cost effectiveness of investing in early and pre-school education, particularly for disadvantaged children and the need to reinforce science teaching. According to President Obama:
"Study after study shows that the sooner a child begins learning, the better he or she does down the road. But today, fewer than 3 in 10 four year-olds are enrolled in a high-quality preschool program. Most middle-class parents can’t afford a few hundred bucks a week for private preschool. And for poor kids who need help the most, this lack of access to preschool education can shadow them for the rest of their lives.
Tonight, I propose working with states to make high-quality preschool available to every child in America. Every dollar we invest in high-quality early education can save more than seven dollars later on – by boosting graduation rates, reducing teen pregnancy, even reducing violent crime. In states that make it a priority to educate our youngest children, like Georgia or Oklahoma, studies show students grow up more likely to read and do math at grade level, graduate high school, hold a job, and form more stable families of their own. So let’s do what works, and make sure none of our children start the race of life already behind. Let’s give our kids that chance."
With yesterday's speech, Obama shows he agrees with the rationale behind the initiation of Universe Awareness (UNAWE), 8 years ago. In UNAWE's vision, science education at an early age is very important for the development of the young brain, and helps children on their way to a successful life later on. This argumentation has been strengthened by recent studies from economist Professor James Heckman of the University of Chicago and colleagues, which form the basis of President Obama’s new initiative.
Share:
