Since 2006, the Center has worked in close partnership with state school boards associations in Alabama, Kansas, Kentucky, Ohio and Texas to promote greater access to voluntary, high-quality pre-kindergarten programs in the belief that such programs will propel schools’ efforts to raise student achievement and close achievement gaps. We do this by disseminating information to local school board members, other policymakers, and the general public about the benefits of pre-k education and effective pre-k policies and programs. The partnership works both nationally and in the partner states to build collaborations with other education groups and pre-K advocates, and increase the school board role in this vital issue. Based on our work to date, we have put together a brochure highlighting what school boards can do to foster quality pre-k programs in their states and districts. Thinking P–12: The school board role in pre-k education is available for free download.

Pre-kindergarten initiative goals

• Reach out broadly to states, policymakers, and other stakeholders. We develop, package and disseminate research, information and materials nationally about the value of pre-K education, and effective policies and strategies for implementing high-quality programs. The materials are found in these pages and include information on the benefits and challenges of pre-K policies such as incorporating pre-k into the school funding formula, and expanding from targeted to universal programs. We also take the message out on the road by presenting at NSBA, state associations, and other professional conferences. Furthermore, we connect with other national education groups and NSBA’s Pre-K Legislative Committee in this work by sharing resources that will assist them in their federal advocacy efforts.
• Intensify efforts with partner states. We work collaboratively with our state partners to engage local school board member support for high-quality pre-K, build public awareness, and inform state policymakers of the value of high-quality pre-k.

We gratefully acknowledge The Pew Charitable Trusts for its support of our work related to pre-K. The views expressed are those of the Center for Public Education and not necessarily those of The Pew Charitable Trusts.

Pre-kindergarten partners

Alabama Association of School Boards
www.alabamaschoolboards.org/

Kentucky School Boards Association
www.ksba.org

Kansas Association of School Boards
www.kasb.org

Ohio School Boards Association
www.osba-ohio.org

Texas Association of School Boards
www.tasb.org

Additional information

Helping Kids Succeed: The Ohio School Boards Association Resource Kit No. 14 PDF

Cascading Effects of Enhanced Early Childhood Education and Development: A Life Course Perspective (slide graphic) PDF 

A Side-By-Side Comparison of Select Early Childhood Education Programs in Texas PDF

Focus on Public Education/Spring 2010: Newsletter of the Kansas Association of School Boards PDF

Thinking P–12: The school board role in pre-k education (downloadable brochure)
PDF

Press Release 2008, "NSBA’s Center for Public Education Receives Pew Grant"
PDF

Press Release, 2006. "NSBA's Center for Public Education Receives Pew Grant"
PDF

"Many Happy Returns." Brochure explaining the research-based benefits of pre-kindergarten.
PDF