Research support for Head Start

Article Abstract:

A strong rebuttal is made to the points raised in an article in the March 23, 1990 issue of Science magazine about Head Start, the early-learning program for educationally disadvantaged youngsters. Written by Constance Holden, the article referred to negative evaluations of Head Start allegedly made by 'most researchers' when, in fact, only seven were interviewed. Of these, only two had conducted research into the effects of the program. The Perry Preschool Head Start program, critiqued in Holden's article, has produced dramatic long-term effects, using a carefully designed study protocol that assigns children randomly to experimental or control groups. The Perry findings have been replicated in at least six other studies, which shows Holden's claims to be unfounded. Selection as one of 14 exemplary prevention programs by the American Psychological Association's Task Force on Prevention was one sign of the professional respect the Perry program commands. Other awards and signs of recognition are cited. The fact that the Perry Preschool program was designed more rigorously than are most projects now implies that quality should be a focus of all Head Start programs. Finally, Holden was incorrect in asserting that little is known about how programs like the Perry Program exert their effects. They are usually well-staffed by adults trained in early childhood education; they provide a supervised, developmentally appropriate curriculum, and they involve parents as partners in the educational experience. A constant woe of Head Start programs is the difficulty in recruiting good teachers who can afford to work for the average annual salary of $12,074. Overall, Holden's article was a disservice to the researchers and lawmakers who have conducted careful research on early-learning programs like Head Start. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Evaluation, Education, Socially handicapped children, Disadvantaged children, letter to the editor, United States. Administration for Children and Families. Head Start Bureau

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Facing the big chill in science

Article Abstract:

The economic and political climate is turning against programs such as affirmative action that encourage women and minorities in science, but educators are focusing on kindergarten through grade 12 science and math education to assure that girls and minorities receive the help they need.

Prevention, Recruiting, Science, Minorities, Sex discrimination against women, Discrimination in education, Educational discrimination, Minorities in science, Women in science

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