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Early Childhood Education
The Early Childhood Education Research
Last Updated Jan 7, 2009 04:18 PM
Of the various curriculum models used in preschool programs, the greatest short-term benefits are obtained when children participate in so-called "didactic" programs--programs which have a pre-academic focus, in which the teacher selects and directs the majority of the classroom activities, and in which there is a high degree of structure (McKey, et al. 1985; Powell 1986; Schweinhart, et al. 1986; Huston-Stein, et al. 1977).
LONG-TERM BENEFITS
After the first wave of research which cast doubt on the long-term value of preschool programs for economically disadvantaged children, researchers and early childhood specialists began to question the wisdom of using only cognitive measures--and particularly IQ scores--as the indicator of program success. The 1985 Illinois State Board of Education review states that:
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