The Effects of Universal Pre‐K in Oklahoma: Research Highlights and Policy Implications

Abstract

Oklahoma is one of only three states in the nation to offer a free pre‐kindergarten (pre‐K) program to all students in participating school districts on a voluntary basis. Fortuitous circumstances in Tulsa, Oklahoma, the state's largest school district, permitted an unusually rigorous evaluation of the pre‐K program in Tulsa. Because four‐year‐olds beginning pre‐K and five‐year‐olds beginning kindergarten were administered the same test in September 2001 and because strict eligibility cut‐offs were applied, based on date of birth, it was possible to control for selection effects, in addition to gender, race/ ethnicity, school lunch eligibility, and precise date of birth. The evaluation showed strong positive effects of the pre‐K program on children's language and cognitive test scores. Hispanic children benefited most from the program, and black children also showed sharp gains, especially when they attended full‐day programs. The results are discussed in light of contemporary controversies regarding targeted or universal pre‐K programs; full‐or part‐day programming; public school or multiple delivery sites; strategies for ensuring high quality, effective programs; and the need for rigorous program evaluations.