Welcome to Atlanta, Mr. President. Now about pre-k . . .
President Barack Obama is expected in Atlanta today, to pitch a problem to a solution.
No, I don’t have that backward.
The president’s planned visit today to a Decatur pre-k school comes on the heels of his lauding Georgia’s preschool program during his State of the Union address Tuesday night. He wants to use it as a model for a federal effort “to make high-quality preschool available to every child in America.”
While I join Obama in applauding educational innovation in the states, I can think only of reasons a federal preschool program is a bad idea. Not least is the fact that the existing federal preschool program, Head Start, has been declared a failure by the very agency that administers it.
Head Start, a program for low-income children, has been around since 1965. But three years ago, after four and a half decades and $166 billion spent on the program, the Department of Health and Human Services concluded first-graders who had been in Head Start held virtually no advantage over their peers who hadn’t.
It’s an expensive failure, costing more than $7.5 billion per year to serve fewer than 1 million kids. At $7,838, Head Start’s cost per student in 2011 nearly doubled the $4,302 Georgia spent on each pre-k student that year.
But if Georgia is getting better results at roughly half the price, shouldn’t we want to see its model copied in other states?
Maybe so. Or maybe other states have different needs. Either way, they won’t match our success — and we won’t maintain it — if the feds take over pre-k.
As U.S. Sen. Saxby Chambliss put it to me last month: “There are too many people in Washington who are entrenched in the idea that if the federal government’s going to be involved in a program, we need to control it. And the way you control it is with money.”
Chambliss was talking about obstacles to devolving federal programs such as k-12 education and Medicaid to the states. But this fact of life in Washington is also a certain preview of how pre-k will turn out if it’s federalized.
There will be money, but also strings: regulations, stipulations, expectations. Even in Georgia the program won’t look like it does now, because the feds will craft policies for Savannah and Seattle, and everywhere in between. Successive agency heads for the program will want to put their stamps on it, if only to justify their jobs and budgets.
And, as clearly as Georgia’s elected leaders should see this coming, they’ll be hard-pressed to avoid it. The money will be too hard to pass up.
Georgia spends about one-third of its lottery proceeds on pre-k, about $312.4 million in next year’s projected revenues. The rest goes to the HOPE scholarship. How tempting will it be for a Georgia governor one day, if the value of HOPE continues to shrink relative to the cost of tuition, to take the federal pre-k dollars and devote all lottery revenues to college students?
But it will be fool’s gold, and not only because there’s no such thing as “free money” from the feds since taxpayers foot the bill sooner or later.
There’s also this: Those folks who rate government programs chiefly by how much money we spend on them will declare this a good deal — at first. Eventually, though, they’ll bemoan the falling quality of pre-k in Georgia and beseech Atlanta or Washington to cough up more money so that it can regain the effectiveness it once had … back when it was a cheaper, state-run program.
Washington this year is projected to borrow $7 billion (almost the annual cost of Head Start) every three days. Yet, Democrats and some Republicans are wringing their hands about the so-called sequester budget cuts that would trim that figure by barely one-tenth. So, you’d think this is exactly the wrong time for the feds to take on yet another role the states have proven themselves capable of handling.
That Obama is holding up Georgia’s pre-k program as a reason for Washington to get more involved in pre-k, rather than as evidence the states can handle more roles the feds can’t afford, shows just how backward he has it.
– By Kyle Wingfield
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418 comments Add your comment
Tiberius - pulling the tail of the left AND right when needed
February 14th, 2013
12:54 pm
“So if I read you right now you are saying that if you believe in the sanctitity of life then you should be responsible for paying for the raising of other people’s kids.”
Actually, Thulsa, if you are going to force people through legislation to have kids they didn’t want, then it is perfectly appropriate for that same government to pick up the tab.
This is a perfect example of “two wrongs don’t make a right”.
Mary Elizabeth
February 14th, 2013
12:57 pm
Thulsa Doom, 12:00
“Mary Elizabeth, I think you need to understand the difference between correlation and cause and effect. Poverty in and of itself does not automatically cause poor academic performance. Period.”
——————————————————————————————-
Thulsa Doom, from your writing, I can tell that you are think ing in generalities and in stereotypes. First, I never used the word “correlation” once today, nor did I compare the word “correlation” with the words “cause and effect.” You must be generalizing about my remarks with the remarks of some other poster with whom you may have had a recent exchange. I said only that there was “a strong causal relationship between poverty and the lack of academic success,” which is true. I did not say that poverty was THE cause of lack of educational success. You are falsely misrepresenting my words.
Moreover, you state: “Poverty in and of itself does not automatically cause poor academic performance. Period.” I, in fact, agree with that statement, as I indicated above. Thus, perhaps, you now see how you have generalized my thinking and have perceived – or at least you have desired to present – my thinking in erroneous stereotypical ways, as a result of your own generalized thinking. Go back and re-read my previous posts in greater detail, and you will see, for yourself, that I never used the word “correlation” in any of my posts today. You entirely misrepresented that.
I appreciate your stating, in your next post, that you did not mean to be condescending but, in fact, your were condescending, Thulsa Doom. I think it is wiser if I not respond to your posts for awhile into the future. Your posts to me, today, have been both unjustifiably condescending and disingenuous, in my opinion. As a result, I do not care to spend my energy or time writing defensively within a personal exchange of that calibre. Perhaps, another day, we can simply discuss the ideas presented.
sailfish
February 14th, 2013
1:01 pm
doom
I guess your sis can speak as the qualified expert for every headstart program in the US? The two issues have a connection but I’ll stick to the point and please don’t lecture me or tie this into money because thats always the bottom line with the conned and as far as I’m concerned even if in some cases as your sister witnessed it’s a glorified baby sitting service, so what? There are legitimate, I repeat legitimate poor out there who genuinely need the help and if a minimum of one out of every ten grow up to be a productive citizen it’s worth the cost!
Finn McCool (The System isn't Broken; It's Fixed)
February 14th, 2013
1:04 pm
Let’s review: The Federal government goes into debt in order to fund a program that doesn’t work, and the liberals want to continue it and enhance it.
Let’s review: The job of federal government and it’s departments isn’t to make a profit; it’s to provide a service for the citizens. How much you are willing to support an endeavor depends on your own personal preferences.
I’d prefer to not have a military base in Italy. Others think differently.
The point is: All US government endeavors SPEND money; they all contribute to the debt. You have to decide where your priorities are.
Has the program of this discussion been a bust? Some say yes. Does that mean we should stop trying? Only if you’re a quitter.
md
February 14th, 2013
1:04 pm
Typical solution from the left, let’s take some money from the states, pay some middle do nothing employee in the federal ranks to handle the money and ship it back to the states, and watch as we all look on in amazement as to why we are 16 trillion in debt and the economy is sputtering.
How in the world does it make sense to buy something from the government at retail when the states can do it on their own wholesale?
sailfish
February 14th, 2013
1:06 pm
“This is a perfect example of “two wrongs don’t make a right”.”
Without getting sappy, when you hit the bullseye, it stings.
only in Georgai
February 14th, 2013
1:09 pm
Is lack of education.. “no problem”
Tiberius - pulling the tail of the left AND right when needed
February 14th, 2013
1:10 pm
That Finn thinks he can accurately define the Constitutional role of the Federal government is simply laughable.
TBone
February 14th, 2013
1:11 pm
Democrats can’t start the indoctrination process early enough if they are to succeed in give-away programs aimed at the poorly informed voters. This is tax payer funding too, what a bonus.
Tiberius - pulling the tail of the left AND right when needed
February 14th, 2013
1:24 pm
BTW, Welcome to Atlanta, President Incompetent.
Don’t let the door hit you on the way out of town.
beanster
February 14th, 2013
1:25 pm
“Thulsa Doom, from your writing, I can tell that you are think ing in generalities and in stereotypes. First, I never used the word “correlation” once today, nor did I compare the word “correlation” with the words “cause and effect.” You must be generalizing about my remarks with the remarks of some other poster with whom you may have had a recent exchange. I said only that there was “a strong causal relationship between poverty and the lack of academic success,” which is true. I did not say that poverty was THE cause of lack of educational success. You are falsely misrepresenting my words.”
I think I can answer for Ms. Doom. Her intention wasn’t to misrepresent what you stated. She was simply pointing out that there is a correlation between poverty and poor academic achievement, not a direct causal relationship. In other words, the two go hand in hand however they are not dependent on one another.
For the record, and I doubt I am alone here, as a fiscal conservative who is critical of the current administration’s policies, despite my moral reservations to the subject, I have no issue with and sincerely hope that abortion remains safe and legal in this country.
Mary Elizabeth
February 14th, 2013
1:25 pm
@ Matz, 12:28 pm
“Mary Elizabeth,
Years ago I became a Laubach literacy instructor and worked with adults. It was awesome. I should get back into it.”
=========================================================
Matz, I am delighted to read of your renewed interest in Laubach’s literacy method, and I compliment you for having worked previously to help others build their literacy through this program. Dr. Laubach’s group merged with Literacy Action, Inc. in the Atlanta area. The telephone number for Literacy Action, Inc. is: (404) 818-7323. Press option 4 to volunteer to help at Literarcy Action, Inc. There is much need in the greater Atlanta area for volunteers to help others improve their reading skills through this worthwhile program.
JDW
February 14th, 2013
1:31 pm
Aquagirl has it right…
“The HHS study has another issue in my book–it was a comparison of Head Start vs. other kinds of programs, not Head Start vs. nothing. ”
The real question is what happens to these kids if they don’t have Head Start…what do you think Kyle should we leave them at home by themselves or ask thier parents to sign up for welfare because they can’t afford the childcare bill?
Steve
February 14th, 2013
1:37 pm
Wow, it really, truly is just a couple of wingnut crazy 8th grade Confederates in here that have ruined any chance or real discussion in here. And Kyle sits by blindly. At least Bookman doesn’t put up with this crap.
Steve
February 14th, 2013
1:39 pm
I’m truly glad that the Confederacy (the right wing racist rural parts) are quickly becoming an irrelevant minority in this country. Don’t you think it’s time you people seceded again so we can whip your third world butts?
sailfish
February 14th, 2013
1:39 pm
I think the president is perfectly competent; the house and senate – not so much.
JDW
February 14th, 2013
1:39 pm
“That Finn thinks he can accurately define the Constitutional role of the Federal government is simply laughable.”
Actually the laughable or really sad bit depending on your perspective, is that Tiberius really truly BELIEVES that he is the ultimate authority on the Constitution. Mind you that is without any formal education and training on the subject. Tiberius is a “self -taught Constitutionalist”.
It is kind of like defining President’s as historical figures…the folks that have studied for years, received Doctorates and do it for a living are wrong and our very own self-
centeredtaught Tiberius is right.md
February 14th, 2013
1:41 pm
“The point is: All US government endeavors SPEND money; they all contribute to the debt. You have to decide where your priorities are.”
Yes, they do. But adding in unnecessary costs to get the job done is redundant and costly. The problems arise from those that think the feds can somehow do it better than the states…….BOTH are governments, one just happens to cost more……
Steve
February 14th, 2013
1:42 pm
md – perhaps we don’t need to have the ability to blow up the world 10x over, and we should consider modernizing and streamlining our bloated military industrial complex that eats up much of our taxes…for failed wars.
Mary Elizabeth
February 14th, 2013
1:45 pm
@ beanster, 1:25 pm
Please refer to my post at 11:32 am, and my follow-up post at 11:43 pm, where you will read results from the “Progress in International Reading Literacy Study” and the “Trends in International Math and Science Study” which break down student scores according to the poverty rate in each school.
There you will read of “a strong causal relationship between poverty and the lack of academic success” in schools, as I had stated earlier.
Steve
February 14th, 2013
1:45 pm
Where do you people want your tax dollars spent? Money spent such that grandma can afford hip surgery and not have to eat cat food to survive, or money spent on more wars?
TBone
February 14th, 2013
1:45 pm
Steve your rantings about Confederates and butt whippings ring hollow in this neck of the woods. If you are the enlightened one, get off your high horse. We southerners don’t really get much out of kicking yankee, pencil-neck geek ass when we are blessed with the most beautiful women in the world. Have a Happy Valentines Day.
md
February 14th, 2013
1:48 pm
Is it just me, or is there some irony in a poster complaining about having real discussions while at the same time contributing to the unnecessary adjectives?
Steve
February 14th, 2013
1:50 pm
TBone, I’m not on any high horse, but you people are acting like such moronic, childish, clowns – compared to anyone we’d be on a high horse next to you, I suspect.
The South needs to grow up.
md
February 14th, 2013
1:52 pm
“md – perhaps we don’t need to have the ability to blow up the world 10x over, and we should consider modernizing and streamlining our bloated military industrial complex that eats up much of our taxes…for failed wars”
Did I miss something? Did I post somewhere where I’m against cutting the defense budget? I must be getting old, I sure don’t recall saying anything on the matter……..
TBone
February 14th, 2013
1:56 pm
Steve … Down here we have a saying for name callers like you, Delta is ready when you are.
Tiberius - pulling the tail of the left AND right when needed
February 14th, 2013
1:58 pm
“Wow, it really, truly is just a couple of wingnut crazy 8th grade Confederates in here that have ruined any chance or real discussion in here.”
And yet you, Steve, keep posting about the people, rather than the topic.
You’re as much to blame as those you vilify.
Tiberius - pulling the tail of the left AND right when needed
February 14th, 2013
1:59 pm
It is far better to be a self-taught Constitutionalist than a self absorbed jerk such as yourself, JDW.
Tiberius - pulling the tail of the left AND right when needed
February 14th, 2013
2:02 pm
“I think the president is perfectly competent;”
At getting elected – absolutely.
At leadership and results?
Not so much.
TBone
February 14th, 2013
2:03 pm
Steve … One last question before I have to go teach emag to my hick and hayseed students. When you write, “The South needs to grow up.”. What did you have in mind as our mentor? Maybe Detroit or Chicago or possibly even New York? I think we’ll pass.
southpaw
February 14th, 2013
2:03 pm
Tiberius @12:54
Doomy had it right. Somebody who doesn’t want kids would be wise not to start a pregnancy. I know that some are violently forced into it, but I’ve got to start somewhere. Tell you what. In the spirit of compromise, I’ll volunteer to pay extra tax, if a government will use it to buy pants for the people who don’t want kids. As far as I know, pants have a 100% success rate at preventing pregnancy when used properly. If someone can’t–or won’t–use them as designed, that’s not my problem, or yours, or Doomy’s.
JDW
February 14th, 2013
2:05 pm
@md…”The problems arise from those that think the feds can somehow do it better than the states”
In many cases they can. Nobody debates the need to spend money wisely and demand value for the expenditure. Education is one investment that provides an outstanding return. It seems to me that you and many of your “Conservative” brethren here have lost sight of the proposal. The President has found a program in Georgia that works…thank goodness the program started in 1995 because the current crop of Legislators would never have done so…and seeks to replicate it nationwide.
So what part is it you find objectionable..the education of children or the diversion of funds equal to about 1/5 of 1% of the federal budget?
Aquagirl
February 14th, 2013
2:07 pm
You’re as much to blame as those you vilify.
Don’t disturb Tiberius, he likes having the sandbox all to himself.
Aesop's Fables and other Lib Economic Theories
February 14th, 2013
2:08 pm
Tiberius – pulling the tail of the left AND right when needed
February 14th, 2013
12:17 pm
How ironic is it that the “forever” stamp I used to mail a check into my useless state government has the word “Freedom” printed on it . . .
Yeah, I was thinking the same thing. The national socialists hung a sign over their busiest concentration camp that said “work will make you free.” I guess we can thank the libs for keeping the tradition.
Tiberius - pulling the tail of the left AND right when needed
February 14th, 2013
2:09 pm
“So what part is it you find objectionable..the education of children or the diversion of funds equal to about 1/5 of 1% of the federal budget?”
How about the fact that the Federal government is likely to screw up a program that works far more likely than not, and that the odds of it costing far more per person than the state equivalent.
That’s enough for me to be against it. A track record of Federal failure.
md
February 14th, 2013
2:10 pm
” The President has found a program in Georgia that works…”
And there is your clue JDW………
Tiberius - pulling the tail of the left AND right when needed
February 14th, 2013
2:11 pm
“Don’t disturb Tiberius, he likes having the sandbox all to himself.”
Not so, Aquagirl. I enjoy an intelligent discussion.
Which is why I don’t usually respond to your posts . . . .
CC
February 14th, 2013
2:11 pm
Has he left yet?
I certainly hope so!
Aesop's Fables and other Lib Economic Theories
February 14th, 2013
2:11 pm
I’m just curious, but how did not wanting to pay to raise other people’s children become the extremist view?
And for the bimbo threatening to “fix the Cons” by making obozo a dictator, what do think we’re waiting for?
Bring it on, punk. The sooner, the better.
JDW
February 14th, 2013
2:12 pm
“self absorbed jerk”
You mean like the arrogant a$$ that makes this sort of comment….
“BTW, Welcome to Atlanta, President Incompetent….Don’t let the door hit you on the way out of town.”
Or
“The only way a lib can make an argument on here is if they parse the statement or create an alternate reality of your stance.”
Or
“this President wouldn’t know free commerce if it bit him on the backside”
Or
“Have the bars opened early today in honor of President Incompetent’s visit?”
Or
“Liberals don’t want debate, Rafe. They just want control.”
Or my personal “favorite”
“I accept your surrender”
Boy that guy needs some help…see to it would you?
md
February 14th, 2013
2:13 pm
“So what part is it you find objectionable..the education of children or the diversion of funds equal to about 1/5 of 1% of the federal budget?”
Go back to my initial comment, why pay retail when you can pay wholesale for the same product?
The States are quite capable of doing it on their own, or GA wouldn’t have a successful program. Now, you seem to think we need to add a middleman to deliver the same product…….makes no sense.
Aquagirl
February 14th, 2013
2:13 pm
The national socialists hung a sign over their busiest concentration camp that said “work will make you free.”
180 comments before the Godwinning, y’all are a bit faster than yesterday but still way behind Free Republic or WND standards.
Matz
February 14th, 2013
2:15 pm
The pix are so cute! Mr. President with the little Pre-K’ers. Awwwww!
JDW
February 14th, 2013
2:15 pm
@Tiberius…”A track record of Federal failure.”
Point being that said track record is mostly a figment of your imagination. The Federal Government doesn’t do everything right but as government track records go it’s pretty good.
Why don’t you stop whining and be part of the solution?
getalife
February 14th, 2013
2:17 pm
The American people do not even bother to listen to the weak and pitiful right any longer in our country.
The right are toast and will probably split divided and conquered.
I tried to help you but now you are stuck without leaders, flailing in the wilderness.
Personal responsibility so don’t blame others for your failures.
JDW
February 14th, 2013
2:17 pm
@md…”And there is your clue JDW”
I must admit that finding a program the works in Georgia takes works…good thing this one was locked in back in 1995…you know when we actually made some progress around here.
JDW
February 14th, 2013
2:20 pm
@md…”The States are quite capable of doing it on their own”
The states are capable of doing lots of things on thier own…problem is they mostly don’t (see health insurance). There need to be standards.
Tiberius - pulling the tail of the left AND right when needed
February 14th, 2013
2:22 pm
JDW, I WAS part of the solution at one time.
You?
Never mind. Don’t bother to answer that. The answer is all too apparent. The term “service to your country and community” is likely a foreign concept to you.
Tiberius - pulling the tail of the left AND right when needed
February 14th, 2013
2:23 pm
“There need to be standards.”
Yes, Let’s LOWER the standards so that all may comply. That’s what government does.
Tiberius - pulling the tail of the left AND right when needed
February 14th, 2013
2:24 pm
“The Federal Government doesn’t do everything right but as government track records go it’s pretty good.”
Yeah, until you have to pay for it.