"Unsettled Science on Longer-run Effects of Early Education:" A Response

Jorge Luis Garcia () and James Heckman

No 2024-012, Working Papers from Human Capital and Economic Opportunity Working Group

Abstract: A recent comment published in Science argues that the evidence on the long-term effects of early childhood education is unsettled. We qualify this comment and contrast it with comprehensive studies based on established principles of scientific practice. Burchinal et al. (2024) base their assessment on flawed experimental evaluations. They mischaracterize the state of knowledge by selectively evaluating evidence and ignoring rigorous, long-term studies based on the Perry Preschool and Carolina Abecedarian Projects. High-quality early childhood education programs achieve consistent long-term benefits when proper controls and standardizations are applied. An essential mechanism for their success is fostering parental investment and effective parenting. We underscore the necessity of mechanism-focused research to guide early childhood education policies. Well-conducted studies demonstrate the long-term effectiveness of high-quality early education programs, including Head Start.

Keywords: early childhood education; Perry Preschool Project; Abecedarian Project; evaluation of social programs (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: D04 I00 J13 J24 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024-06
New Economics Papers: this item is included in nep-ltv and nep-ure
Note: ECI
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http://humcap.uchicago.edu/RePEc/hka/wpaper/Garcia ... nce-ECE-response.pdf First version, June 5, 2024 (application/pdf)

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