The Pre-K Debates: Current Controversies and Issues

by Edward F. Zigler (Editor), Walter Gilliam, Steven Barnett

Targeted or universal pre-K? Direct instruction or learning through play? These and other debates are heating up as more and more young children across the country gain access to pre-K programs. Now there's a single volume that spotlights today's most urgent pre-K debates, explores each one from all sides, and paves the way for sound, educated decision-making. Edited by a founder of Head Start and two other highly respected experts, this forward-thinking book gathers a who's who of more than 40 leading thinkers in early childhood education for a rigorous examination of the most-debated pre-K issues. In a clear and compelling point-counterpoint format, this book gives current and future decision-makers multifaceted perspectives on critical Readers will also get a helpful synthesis of the major themes of the pre-K debate, investigate lessons learned from model programs in two states (New Jersey and Oklahoma), and identify key issues for future research and debate, including education policies for English language learners and children with special needs. Whether used as a reference or a preservice text, this landmark book will prepare early childhood administrators, policy makers, and researchers to make informed decisions about the future of preK— so all young children will have the best chance at school success.

264 pages, Paperback

First published August 1, 2011

About the author

Edward Frank Zigler was an American developmental psychologist and Sterling Professor Emeritus of Psychology at Yale University. In addition to his academic research on child development, he was best known as one of the architects of the federal Head Start program.

Reviews

[Jane · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Pre-K Debates: Current Controversies & Issues explores the current and divergent factions in preschool thinking by the top experts in the field. Reading it gives a preschool professional many ideas, things to investigate further and issues to think about as they work with our youngest children. Preschool is a profound experience that influences a child's future success in school and for a lifetime so this topic is important and one that requires careful consideration each day spent working in a preschool setting.

[Amber]

1 copy