The Pre-K Debates

Book excerpt: Targeted or universal pre-K? Direct instruction or learning through play? These and other debates are heating up as more and more young children across the country gain access to pre-K programs. Now there's a single volume that spotlights today's most urgent pre-K debates, explores each one from all sides, and paves the way for sound, educated decision-making. Edited by a founder of Head Start and two other highly respected experts, this forward-thinking book gathers a who's who of more than 40 leading thinkers in early childhood education for a rigorous examination of the most-debated pre-K issues. In a clear and compelling point-counterpoint format, this book gives current and future decision-makers multifaceted perspectives on critical questions; Should pre-K be targeted or universal; what kind of teacher preparation should be required? When should pre-K services be provided and for how long? Whee should pre-K be provided? What should the primary focus of instruction be? Should pre-K be structured around direct instruction or learning through play? How can we ensure quality and accountability in pre-K programs? Readers will also get a helpful synthesis of the major themes of the pre-k debate, investigate lesson learned from model programs in 2 states, and identify ke issues for future research and debate, including polices for English Lanaguage learners and children with special needs.