NASHVILLE-While one prominent lawmaker contends a new study sponsored by the state comptroller’s office helps prove lasting benefits of Tennessee’s prekindergarten are a “hoax,” Gov. Bill Haslam disagrees.
Haslam told reporters this week the study “is a little bit more of a mixed message. Of course, Vanderbilt [University] had a study out earlier this year that showed a more positive spin on it.”
That is “all the more reason we should keep doing what we’re doing now,” Haslam said. “Leave pre-k in place. Let’s do the homework. At some point in time, I think we need an objective outside study that does measure … over a longer period of time.”
The study conducted by Strategic Research Group was intended to do just that – investigate the short- and long-term effects of Tennessee’s pre-k program on students through fifth grade.
In its 60-page final report, Strategic Research Group raises questions on Page 6 about the long-term efficacy of pre-k when compared with students who never participated in the program for 4-year-olds.