"Even Start" bush-it failed vs the real story

[rodeodance]

http://www.americanprogressaction.org/site/pp.asp?c=klLWJcP7H&b=100480&lftnav=progressreport

DAILY GRILL

"For example, there's a program called Even Start. It was created more than 16 years ago to build literacy in low-income families…The problem is, is that after three separate evaluations it has become abundantly clear that the program is not succeeding. People are not becoming more literate. Families in Even Start have made no progress toward literacy."

– President Bush, 2/8/05

VERSUS

"On the whole, Even Start projects are meeting their legislative mandate. They recruit and serve needy families. And, a high percentage of families take part in all three core services and receive an amount of service that compares favorably with other existing programs."

– Third National Even Start Evaluation, 2001

[Atman]

1. Both quotes are bad

Bush overspeaks, overstates his case. He uses absolutes not supported by any data. We're expected to believe that "families in Even Start have made no progress toward literacy."? None of them, George? This program served NO ONE?

BUT, by the same measure, the Third National Even Start Evaluation uses weasel-ish words, like "service that compares favorably with other existing programs." Well, hardly a glowing endorsement. Nor is "meeting their legislative mandate." While you and I might think "meeting their legislative mandate" is all that is required to be measured "successful," some well-written copy in that eval might have done a better job selling that success.

Just my humble opinion.