Investing in the future: Fully funding prekindergarten in Texas

(Texas Rural Education Association’s Legislative Committee) – The lack of full-day prekindergarten funding in Texas is not just an educational issue, it is a pressing concern that carries long-term consequences for students, families, and the broader community. When children are denied the benefits of full-day pre-K, the challenges they face in early education are intensified, creating a ripple effect that impacts their entire academic journey and beyond.The urgency of early interventionOne of the most alarming outcomes of inadequate pre-K funding is the struggle with literacy that many children experience. Research by the IRIS Center shows that students who are not reading on grade level by first grade have only a 13% chance of improving their literacy skills to be considered on grade level by fourth grade. More troubling, 2023 data from Regis College indicates that two-thirds of students reading significantly below grade level in fourth grade end up in jail or dependent on welfare services as adults. These statistics underscore the critical importance of early intervention. Gaps in literacy and numeracy must be identified and addressed as early as possible, as these foundational skills are vital to a child’s future learning and overall academic success.The consequences of inadequate fundingThe absence...