Insuring the Future: The Necessity of Universal Preschool in Modern America

Abstract

In recent years, the American educational system has slipped. As of 2002, American schools ranked 18th when compared against the world. Additionally, 30% of children never receive a high school diploma. Not surprisingly, educational issues were a subject for debate during the 2008 presidential election. The deterioration of American public schools was highlighted by President Barack Obama during the presidential debate, and the 2009 stimulus bill gave $100 billion to education. To combat the educational disparity, the United States needs to fund a system of universal preschools. Support for preschool is at an all-time high. Despite this support, it is possible that the traditional Head Start preschool programs are failing. Recent developments in science have found no evidence of any impact on important aspects of school readiness factors. Perhaps the current failures of Head Start are a result of failing to integrate these important into the curriculum. The research indicates a great impact when behavior components are combined with a traditional preschool curriculum. Despite the assertions of Head Start critics, the solution is not eliminating the program, but modifying it to ensure all children are receiving a comparable education. In arguing that individual states should fund a system of universal preschools, this paper will highlight the benefits of universal preschool education to all children. This paper will discuss a traditional Head Start program and compare it to a Head Start Program where certain social skills were integrated into the lesson plan. Moreover, this paper will provide background on school finance litigation and how state courts have handled the right to education. Finally, this paper will present an argument that universal preschool is the only way to ensure children obtain the education mandated by all state constitutions.