The Effects of Universal Pre-K in Oklahoma: Research Highlights and Policy Implications

Authors: William T. Gormley; Deborah Phillips

Source: Policy Studies Journal, Volume 33, Number 1, February 2005 , pp. 65-82(18)

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Abstract:

Oklahoma is one of only three states in the nation to offer a free pre-kindergarten (pre-K) program to all students in participating school districts on a voluntary basis. Fortuitous circumstances in Tulsa, Oklahoma, the state's largest school district, permitted an unusually rigorous evaluation of the pre-K program in Tulsa. Because four-year-olds beginning pre-K and five-year-olds beginning kindergarten were administered the same test in September 2001 and because strict eligibility cut-offs were applied, based on date of birth, it was possible to control for selection effects, in addition to gender, race/ ethnicity, school lunch eligibility, and precise date of birth. The evaluation showed strong positive effects of the pre-K program on children's language and cognitive test scores. Hispanic children benefited most from the program, and black children also showed sharp gains, especially when they attended full-day programs. The results are discussed in light of contemporary controversies regarding targeted or universal pre-K programs; full-or part-day programming; public school or multiple delivery sites; strategies for ensuring high quality, effective programs; and the need for rigorous program evaluations.

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1541-0072.2005.00092.x

Affiliations: 1: Georgetown University

Publication date: 2005-02-01