5 of 25

No

Write now Article Tools

No, two more years of schooling will not improve academic achievement over the long term. Universal preschool is just another poorly thought out scheme by misguided politicians to get the vote of the severely under informed public.

There is an abundance of substandard government initiated programs in the United States the most unsettling of all is the public school system. So, why would we agree to allow our children to be subject to two more years of second rate teaching? Forcing parents to send their babies into the existing school system two years earlier may even cause a decline in academic success in the long run and damage the family unit in the short run. Instead of developing yet another inferior education program the government should focus its attention and funding to improving existing programs.

Proponents of universal preschool school say that 2 more years of school is vital to a child's academic success. However, academic achievement is not guaranteed. In fact, the risk is that two more years of stress from constant comparison with other children could increase distaste for academics.

Currently, many children who are introduced into our existing school system at the traditional age of five fail under high pressure to learn and perform in order that the school can meet "standardized guidelines" set by government agencies. Children this young are not equipped to deal with the scrutiny that comes with being compared in their learning style and ability with other children.

Many children fall short of "standardized guidelines" set by government agencies. This is because children are not standardized. All children learn differently. Teachers teach a standard way and if a child doesn't learn, as well as his classmates, by the chosen style of teaching then he falls below standards.

Our school system lacks educators who are able to teach in creative and alternative methods. This makes for longer periods of classroom time and less time for children to play. Some studies have even found that while full-time pre-school may help to increase a child's reading, and math skills, these children demonstrate diminished social skills in the long run. Children develop social skills by playing. Three and 4 year olds need to learn to socialize first before being judged on how well they can meet a standard.

In their first years children should be learning what their parents expect from them, what is acceptable behavior within their family and what

• 1
• 2
• next page >>

Add your voice

Know something about Will "universal preschool" for 3- and 4-year-olds improve academic achievement over the long term??
We want to hear your view. Write now!