Investing in Early Education and Child Care is key to improve the United States literacy and math scores
Last month the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) released the 2024 4th and 8th grade math and reading scores. NAEP, also known as the Nation’s Report Card, is a congressionally mandated assessment given every two years to public school students in grades 4, 8, and 12. It tests their math, literacy, and science skills. Over the last decade, NAEP scores have declined, and last month’s scores are consistent with this trend. In math, only 40% of 4th graders and 28% of 8th graders scored proficient or better. In reading, only 31% of 4th graders and 30% of 8th graders scored proficient or better. These results were consistent with the most recent results from 2022. Massachusetts students had the highest average scores of any state. In math, 51% of 4th graders and 37% of 8th graders scored proficient or better. In reading, 31% of 4th graders and 39% of 8th graders scored proficient or better. These results were consistent with the most recent results from 2022.
In the last few weeks, there have been many ideas raised about how to better support elementary school children to improve their core skills. At Neighborhood Villages, we know one key solution is greater investment in early education.
Research shows children who receive high-quality early learning opportunities have positive short-, mid-, and long-term outcomes when it comes to school readiness and progress, adult earnings, health, behavior, and more. A 2023 study even suggests that children who receive high-quality early learning opportunities do better in science, technology, engineering, and math through high school.
An investment in Early Education and Child Care is an investment in our children and their future. It also has an incredibly high return. Spending money on high quality learning opportunities in the early years can significantly reduce public spending on remediation and special education services as children get older.
At Neighborhood Villages, we understand the importance of high quality early learning opportunities, which is why we focus on instructional supports for educators, the development of high quality curriculum, and our apprenticeship programs. We also advocate for efficient and effective funding for early education and child care at the local, state, and federal level. Our programs and resources enable early educators to gain training and knowledge to educate early learners so they can succeed. An increased focus on early education can mean a stronger educational future for all children in the United States.