Georgia’s pre-K program works, study says

170816 TAYLOR, TEXAS:  Renee Long accompanies her son Jakevin Brown, 4, to his pre-k classroom on Wednesday, the first day of classes at T.H. Johnson Elementary School in Taylor.  T.H. Johnson Elementary School, with approximately 375 students, is for pre-k and kindergarten students in Taylor.  Andy Sharp / For the American-Statesman.

Credit: Andy Sharp

Credit: Andy Sharp

170816 TAYLOR, TEXAS: Renee Long accompanies her son Jakevin Brown, 4, to his pre-k classroom on Wednesday, the first day of classes at T.H. Johnson Elementary School in Taylor. T.H. Johnson Elementary School, with approximately 375 students, is for pre-k and kindergarten students in Taylor. Andy Sharp / For the American-Statesman.

A new study finds that Georgia’s pre-K program is effective.

The multi-year study by the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill was commissioned by the Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning -- the agency that runs the pre-k program -- at the request of the Georgia General Assembly.

“Children exhibited significant growth during their pre-k year across all domains of  learning, including language and literacy skills, math skills, general knowledge, and

behavioral skills,” the authors concluded.

Spanish speakers -- the largest language-based student subgroup in the state -- showed gains, as well.

The lottery-based program serves about 60 percent of 4-year-old children.

>> LEARN MORE: See the research here.

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