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Second federal judge orders temporary reinstatement of thousands of probationary employees fired by the Trump administration; U.S., Canada political tension could affect Maine summer tourism; Report: Incarceration rates rise in MS, U.S. despite efforts at reform; MI study: HBCU students show better mental health, despite challenges.

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Trump administration faces legal battles on birthright citizenship; the arrest of a Palestinian activist sparks protests over free speech. Conservationists voice concerns about federal job cuts impacting public lands, and Ohio invests in child wellness initiatives.

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Farmers worry promised federal reimbursements aren't coming while fears mount that the Trump administration's efforts to raise cash means the sale of public lands, and rural America's shortage of doctors has many physicians skipping retirement.

Study: Pre-K Alone Doesn't Ensure Child's Success

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Monday, October 12, 2015   

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Pre-K isn't producing positive impacts on academic achievement in later grades, according to a recently released study from Vanderbilt University.

Researchers found that students who participated in state-funded pre-K benefited significantly at first, but by third grade those students tested worse in academics and behavior.

Lysa Parker, co-founder of Attachment Parenting International, says the results can be attributed to a lack of emphasis state programs place on early investment in children and parent support.

"Parents are their children's first teacher,” she points out. “They should be supported as well. I think our culture creates numerous obstacles for young parents to be able to give their children what they really want."

Parker says studies show that parent involvement in early learning and the act of soothing and holding a child is valuable to early development.

Researchers say more analysis is needed, and others argue that the results could be impacted by the quality of pre-K programs.

Gov. Bill Haslam has said he was waiting for the results of this 5-year study before deciding whether to increase the early childhood education budget.

Attachment Parenting International has programs available across the state to help support parents in bonding and nurturing their child, which Parker says is more cost effective that investing additional money in pre-K. She adds that parent connection is what fosters good behavior as children grow.

"One thing that's been successful, besides parent education classes and home visits – teaching parents how to stimulate their children, talking to their children, singing to their children," she points out.

Tennessee's Voluntary Pre-K program operated with an $86 million budget in 2013 to 2014. At that time 18,000 children were enrolled.





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