Early Education: Indiana in Dirty Dozen - "mired in the past"

[rjbny62]

I guess they don't see a benefit in improved education. Apparently there was some hope for this before they voted out the Democratic Governor. Anyone know whether this part of the No Child Left Behind initiative?

>>>>

Now Indiana finds itself among the “dirty dozen” states that invest no state dollars in preschool initiatives, according to a report by the National Institute for Early Education Research. It’s an embarrassing list to be associated with – one that reveals Indiana as mired in the past, oblivious to the well-documented benefits of quality preschool programs.

Most others of the dirty dozen are rural, Western states – Alaska, Utah, Wyoming, Idaho – where geography and demographics surely play a role in the lack of programs. Indiana has no such excuse – each of its neighboring states has invested in early education, and states like Georgia and Oklahoma offer state-funded preschool to all children. Not only does Indiana not invest in state-funded preschool, neither does it supplement federal Head Start funds.

The report suggested there were signs of hope for Hoosiers, however, in the work of the Indiana Commission for Early Learning and School Readiness, which Gov. Joe Kernan established by executive order.

But Kernan’s defeat last month may be the death knell for the commission. Wendy Robinson, superintendent of Fort Wayne Community Schools and a member of the commission, said attendance and discussion at the panel’s Nov. 16 meeting suggested its work will end with this month’s meeting and its recommendations will go nowhere.

>>>>>

http://www.fortwayne.com/mld/journalgazette/news/editorial/10320248.htm?template=contentModules/printstory.jsp

[Chipper Chat]

1. Our newly-elected Indiana governor Mitch Daniels

proudly appeared in campaign pictures with "Our Leader" Bush. So it should be no surprise that he will further-induce Bush's policies on this very red state. Sorry you mommies in Carmel, Noblesville, Avon, Greenwood and other rich towns. You'll just have to buy your preschoolers more educational toys.
FINAL NOTE: Joe Kernan was such a sacrificing, cool & caring man. Shame on this state for replacing him with that carpetbagger Daniels!

[lateo]

2. I pay to send my kids to a private pre-school.

Maybe Daniels will approve of vouchers for pre-school. :)