The entire NIEER website relates to what I am currently studying. Because it is an early education research website, I am most drawn to the News and Events section. This section provides articles from newspapers and blogs across the country regarding early education, The Star Ledger in NJ, The Jamestown Sun in ND, The Boston Globe in MA, and The Charlotte Observer in NC are just a few of those represented. Blogs include those from The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, and The Philadelphia Inquirer. I really enjoy these articles because they are current.
The article from The Jamestown Sun caught my attention by it's title, "Childhood Education to get Second Hearing". I read about how supporters of early education are urging the House Committee to provide state funding to create preschool programs around the state. With the federal funding eliminated, states are now being asked to help with funding. To my surprise, the committee chairman, Rep. Mike Nathe said that if early education is such an important issue, why can't the local districts levy a tax to fund it? He continued by saying, "the House doesn't have the appetite for using state funding" and he feels communities should support the funding if they think it is such a good program.
Since we just read how economists, neuroscientists, and politicians are supporting the Early Childhood field, I was a little taken aback by Nathe's comments. I applaud Sen. Poolman who rebutted by saying that there needs to be a compromise and that "a compromise between $4.7 million and zero is not zero!"
This article has reinforced my opinion of politicians. They say one thing - - Yes, early education is important and worth investing in. Then do another - - No, you can't have state funding. Ask your community for money.
UGH!
Reference
Jerke, TJ (March, 2013). Childhood education to get second hearing. NIEER Retrieved from:
http://nieer.org/news-events/early-education-news/childhood-education-get-second-hearing
Hi Lynn,
ReplyDeleteI had a chance to review the article and thought it went great with this week's theme. I disagree with the chairmen's Mike Nathe statement where he expressed why can't the levy tax fund it? I think that everyone should take responsibility for their actions and step up to the plate. Bettering education is an issue where everyone needs to chip in, provide funding and do their part.
Hello Lynn,
DeleteThanks again for a great resource summary. I especially enjoyed what you wrote about Sen Poolmans response that "a compromise between $.7 million and zero is not zero!" I appreciate also what you said about politicians saying one thing and doing something else. I have often struggled with the fact that children and people in poverty don't vote so they are often swept under the rug. Dr. Grace mentioned that as well in this weeks media...well something like that! :-) Thanks again for a great post and resource. Tam
Representative Nathe's comment simply shows his lack of understanding of the field of education. Not all early childhood programs are directly affiliated with local school districts. Many school districts will support levies, but the money will not affect any pre-K programs. At the same time, Senator Poolman displayed his understanding of the importance of early childhood programs by expressing that the state needs to invest in these programs and come up with some kind of compromise. Great article!
ReplyDeleteThat is a bummer that he would make a comment like that. It just shows his lack of understanding how important early childhood is. Government should want to help find a way to help educate children no matter how much the cost. They should have to find ways to make the money happen to educate the future.
ReplyDelete