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Why Maryland Doesn't Need Universal Preschool

Economic & Fiscal Policy, Education

by Dan Lips

MARYLAND POLICY REPORT

In his latest Maryland Policy Report, Dan Lips, Senior Fellow of Education Policy Studies, explains “Why Maryland Doesn’t Need Universal Preschool.”

Governor Martin O'Malley's "Maryland's Preschool for All Business Plan," created in December 2009, intends to "outline the direction for implementing the [universal preschool] program during the second decade of the 2000s." The initiative, like many liberal initiatives of its kind, is based on the assumption of a "multiplier effect" -- that universal preschool will better prepare young students for grades K-12 and provide such spillover benefits as reduced grade retention, special education enrollments, teen pregnancy, and criminal arrests, while increasing high school graduation and employment rates.

Lips lists three key reasons why Maryland should think twice before adopting universal preschool. First, the projected benefits are based on a few small-scale programs dating back several decades. These previous benefits would likely be difficult, if not impossible, to replicate now. In fact, both Georgia and Oklahoma have instituted programs similar to the one proposed by O'Malley's administration, and have seen lackluster results. Finally, and perhaps most compelling, the state simply cannot afford universal preschool and should not expend additional funds, as the state already subsidizes preschool for disadvantaged children. Universal preschool would be an expensive and ineffective subsidy for those middle- and upper-income families who likely could already afford to send their children to preschool. The money would be put to better use reforming and strengthening the existing public education system.

To read the full report, click here