Published online in: Educational Researcher November 16, 2017
Dana Charles McCoy, Harvard University Hirokazu Yoshikawa, New York University Kathleen M. Ziol-Guest, New York University Greg J. Duncan, University of California, Irvine Holly S. Schindler, University of Washington, Seattle Katherine Magnuson, University of Wisconsin, Madison Rui Yang, New York University Andrew Koepp, Harvard University Jack P. Shonkoff, Harvard University
Abstract
Despite calls to expand early childhood education (ECE) in the United States, questions remain regarding its medium- and long-term impacts on educational outcomes. We use meta-analysis of 22 high-quality experimental and quasi-experimental studies conducted between 1960 and 2016 to find that, on average, participation in ECE leads to statistically significant reductions in special education placement (d = 0.33 SD, 8.1 percentage points) and grade retention (d = 0.26 SD, 8.3 percentage points), and increases in high school graduation rates (d = 0.24 SD, 11.4 percentage points). These results support ECE’s utility for reducing education-related expenditures and promoting child well-being.
Read the news release, "Comprehensive Research Review Finds Lasting Effects of Quality Early Childhood Education through High School," here.
New Study Shows Early Childhood Education Programs Have Big Benefits For Students And School Boards Good Education, November 20, 2017 Early Education Is a Game Changer: New Report Shows That Reaching Infants and Toddlers Reduces Special Education Placement, Leads to Soaring Graduation Rates The 74, November 16, 2017 Research analysis shows long-term benefits of center-based pre-K programs Education DIVE, November 16, 2017 Report Roll Call (Morning Education) Politico, November 16, 2017 Benefits of early childhood education persist into high school, study says 89.3 KPCC, November 16, 2017 New Analysis Finds Long-Lasting Benefits From Early-Childhood Education Education Week, November 16, 2017
Impacts of Early Childhood Education on Medium- and Long-term Educational Outcomes