What Works in Education

There is an interesting article in Newsweek regarding preschool and the achievement gap.  It states that the number one indicator for success in life is family circumstances.  The number two indicator is early childhood education.  "High-quality preschooling does more for a child’s chances in school and life than any other educational intervention. One study, which began in the 1960s, tracked two groups of students from disadvantaged backgrounds. Some were given the opportunity to attend a high-quality preschool; others were not. Thirty-five years later, the kids who went to preschool were earning more, had better jobs, and were less likely to have been in prison or divorced" (Mona Mourshed, Fenton Whelan. August 16, 2010. How to Close the Achievement Gap. Newsweek).  If preschool is the number one educational intervention, it needs to be available to all children, regardless of income level or "family circumstances."  The trick will be keeping the educational experience "high-quality" if there is government funding and intervention involved.  We need a few Montessorians in high-level governmental positions to ensure program excellence and guard against testing mania.  Anyone out there?  The article can be found at:  http://www.newsweek.com/2010/08/16/secrets-of-the-world-s-best-school-systems.html.