Opinion: A Head Start in reading

One of the most promising parts of President Bush's "Leave No Child Behind" education proposal is his proposal to introduce more pre-reading skills to children in Head Start. Unlike some other parts of his package, it allows educators to be flexible, gives them clear tools to succeed and does not burden young children with high-stakes testing. The only component that could be stronger is the program's budget.

A curriculum under development by the Department of Health and Human Services will arm teachers with written lessons and monthly benchmarks introducing concepts such as recognizing letters and sounds, breaking words into syllables and understanding the power of words to give meaning to stories. Head Start, the federal program that serves 800,000 poor children, has typically focused on free medical care, meals, counseling and social interaction among 3- and 4-year-olds. Bush plans to add literacy development to that mix. He believes that poor children, if left too long unexposed to the rudiments of reading, often find themselves permanently behind in school.

A continuing, three-year study of 40 Head Start programs nationwide found the typical Head Start graduate entered kindergarten knowing fewer than two letters of the alphabet. But the same advocates who have argued for higher standards also realize that the program must offer higher salaries to attract more qualified teachers. The average instructor currently makes about $20,000, and many do not hold bachelor's degrees.

It is disappointing that his plan does not increase the program's current $5-million budget. Bush has the right idea, but it won't go far without additional funds.

Contact the Times | Privacy Policy
Standard of Accuracy | Terms, Conditions & Copyright