Tulsa World: A-plus

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A-plus
Preschool here gets national attention

By World's Editorial Writers
Published: 4/13/2009 2:23 AM
Last Modified: 4/13/2009 3:53 AM

Finally, along comes a set of national rankings which ought to make Oklahomans especially proud.

The latest annual survey by the National Institute for Early Education Research shows Oklahoma leading the nation in prekindergarten enrollment.

The State of Preschool 2008 showed Oklahoma in first place with 71 percent of its 4-year-olds enrolled in preschool education. This is not the first time the state has ranked first in this survey.

The survey also found that Oklahoma's preschool program is a high-quality one, meeting nine out of 10 benchmark standards. Oklahoma also was praised for increasing pre-K funding, from $3,635 per-child to $3,966 in 2008.

The survey also found that enrollment across the country has grown to more than 1.1 million children. Of the 38 states with state-funded programs, 33 increased enrollment, and 11 improved the quality of their offerings.

Twelve states had no state-funded preschool last year, and some states have decreased their pre-K funding. Institute Director Steve Barnett and other early childhood leaders hope a federal initiative aimed at increasing enrollment and improving standards in preschool programs will be forthcoming, a likely prospect because of President Obama's strong commitment to early childhood education.

On a related note: While the institute survey didn't directly address Tulsa's meteoric early childhood activities, Tulsans can be rightfully proud of our national leadership in pursuing high-quality early childhood initiatives for disadvantaged children, thanks in large part to the George Kaiser Family Foundation.

The philanthropist's foundation modeled the growing Tulsa Educare effort on the Chicago-based Ounce of Prevention Fund system and now Tulsa's impressive efforts reportedly have attracted the attention of Obama's education secretary, Arne Duncan, who formerly was CEO of Chicago Public Schools.

Suffice to say Tulsa and Oklahoma get A's for effort and for achievement. By World's Editorial Writers

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	Report Comment James B Johnson, (4/13/2009 4:22:05 AM) Can I point out that G.W.Bush started this?
	Report Comment James B Johnson, (4/13/2009 4:23:28 AM) Oh sorry I forgot you can't point out that a Republican did something right.
	Report Comment concernedpapa, Kiefer (4/13/2009 6:16:25 AM) Well said Jim He does keep giving back to Tulsa. Hold on I think I hear all of the Kaiser haters' keyboards clicking away.
	Report Comment dTHREE, TULSA (4/13/2009 6:19:51 AM) This is just a small example of the Kaiser Family Foundation's good work. Keep it up as it is appreciated.
	Report Comment Hijinx, (4/13/2009 8:02:11 AM) DUBYA? LOL! The Ounce was founded 25 years ago by the businessman and philanthropist Irving Harris. Irving was far ahead of his time in his talking about brain development, the importance of very early childhood, and its later impact on educational outcomes. He shared this understanding with businessmen and legislators, including a State senator who eventually became the President.
	Report Comment Graychin, Eucha (4/13/2009 8:26:41 AM) JBJ - You are welcome to point that out - even though it isn't true.
	Report Comment my view, Sand Springs (4/13/2009 8:27:21 AM) Odd, not one mention of the Early Childhood Development center being built and nearing completion in Sand Springs.
	Report Comment Lunatk, (4/13/2009 8:50:04 AM) It just amazes me that liberals preach how wonderful that OK leads the nation in kindergarten enrollment and complains that this redkneck state has the highest rate of unplanned pregnancies. Yea, I don't see the connection either. Bunch of fools.
	Report Comment Hijinx, (4/13/2009 10:25:16 AM) Being easily amazed is one of the perks of waking up in a new world everyday Lunatk. Enjoy!
	Report Comment concernedpapa, Kiefer (4/13/2009 12:22:54 PM) LOL Hijinx and sadly you could try and explain it to him and he still wouldnt understand.
	Report Comment USC BRYAN, TULSA (4/13/2009 6:55:54 PM) James B and Lunitik- You are both the reason Tigers eat their young. Instead of giving praise you always go back to that party of no and try to get their name in the print for doing nothing. Better yet why don't you throw in Boss Limbaugh,the "MANaTEE" Hannity, and please don't forget BILLo the Clown O'Reilly for creating more venom than a viper,and more hate than SATAN himself. DO US ALL A FAVOR: UNTIL YOU HAVE A GOOD IDEA, HERE'S A QUARTER,CALL SOMEONE WHO CARES!!!!!!!!
	Report Comment 52favoriteteacher, Washburn--near Roaring River State park (4/14/2009 11:10:16 AM) Very good news Without a doubt the kind of stories that we need to see lots and lots more of... Education is key to a great tomorrow

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