Sam Brownback is concerned about the efficacy of various pre-kindergarten programs in the state, and the Kansas governor has set up a task force to investigate ways to more effectively prepare children for kindergarten. Dozens of public and private organizations operate early-education programs in Kansas, reports theTopeka Capital-Journal. The goal of the governor’s task force is to establish funding cohesion among the various programs, while boosting reading skills among elementary school pupils. Brownback hopes to encourage the pre-K programs to focus on a primary objective, such as reading.
Research has repeatedly shown the benefits of early-childhood education on later academic success.