A three-year analysis of Pre-K 4 SA shows the voter-approved program is improving the readiness of children for kindergarten.
Pre-K 4 SA is starting its fourth year since voters approved it in the 2012 general election. With three years of data this is the first time a trend can be determined. The data shows six categories including cognitive abilities, math, literacy and oral language.
Pre-K 4 SA CEO Sarah Baray says in all categories children starting Pre-K 4 SA score below the national average. “Many of them aren’t familiar with letters, numbers,[and] sound association,” Baray says. “Many of them aren’t really aware of different concepts in learning around writing and reading.”
For example, that deficit is 20 points below national comparisons in cognitive thinking. However, once the year is done, cognitive thinking is 18 points higher than their peers. That’s a 38 point jump. “By the time they leave they are able to do all of those things,” she adds. "They understand that letters form words and sound and there’s a connection to their world. More importantly they have mathematical thinking and scientific thinking.”
The data also noted Pre-K 4SA children exceed in literacy, math, and oral language after completing the year. However, Pre-K 4 SA kids still fall behind in the physical assessment.
Each category saw improvements over last year’s data. The data was compiled by San Antonio-based Edvance Research which was contracted by the City of San Antonio.
The first class of children from Pre-K 4 SA are now in the second grade.
