The federal Head Start review continues to generate interesting analysis, including the idea it may show a catch-up dynamic not a fade-out effect.

Once kids hit kindergarten, teachers work hard to help lagging students catch up with the rest of the class, National Institute of Early Education Research co-director Steve Barnett wrote.

“…kids make a lot of growth in kindergarten and first grade, and public schools go to great lengths to help children who have less educational experience, catch up with those who have more,” Barnett wrote.

“This is catch-up, not fade out or wash out.”

In addition, location matters. Many of the students in the study’s control group attended some type of preschool so “that kind of comparison will not likely show big differences.”

But, Barnett is not trashing the report. Far from it, he views it as a platform to make changes.

“I make another prediction that the Obama administration, with its theme of “Change,” will …chart a new course for Head Start based on what can be learned from this study and others. Confidence in this prediction is tempered by the knowledge that real policy change never comes easy, but I have high hopes,” Barnett wrote on NIERR’s website. (Check out Barnett’s new column for six lessons from the new study and three recommendations.)

The National Head Start Association adds that the program has a history of improving, and is currently implementing important changes contained in the 2008 reauthorization of Head Start.

Washington State Gov. Proposes Preschool Expansion and Improvement

Washington State Gov. Christine Gregoire unveiled a new early learning strategy yesterday that promises every 3- and 4-year-old the chance to attend preschool.

Gregoire’s brief but broad proposal is designed to boost preschool quality and offer lower-income parents financial help with tuition and payments.

“Preschools will be required to be certified and meet requirements established by the Department of Early Learning. Currently there are no standards set for preschool programs, and preschool teachers are not required to undergo background checks.” – All Start Policy Brief, Governor Gregoire’s office.

The brief outlines a plan that also would require parental involvement, better coordination with federal early education efforts and includes programs for infants and toddlers. The two-page brief suggests we will see more details in the coming days.

The plan is far from final. It now moves to the state legislature, where lawmakers are struggling with a $2.6 billion budget deficit.