Poor academic achievement on multiple levels -- including dismal showings among middle class students in America compared to other countries -- has led the United States to lose hundreds of billions of dollars in its gross domestic product, according to a report released by McKinsey & Company today.
The report makes a case for the devastating economic impact of not improving the nation's schools. Its data show that achievement gaps have imposed "the economic equivalent of a permanent deep recession." The report does not offer specific recommendations for getting out of this ditch, other than to look more closely at the few school systems that are making progress and adopt their practices.
The way out was left to a discussion with education and civil rights leaders at the formal unveiling of the report at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C., today. Disappointingly, although the Rev. Al Sharpton voiced strong applause lines about the need for change, there was no specific mention of what might be achieved by offering better early childhood education opportunities to young children and tying those early experiences to what is taught in elementary schools.
Hispanic children are the fastest-growing ethnic group in the United States, yet they are doing worse in school than any of their peers. They need urgent attention, says 
You voted. We investigated. In a 
Looking for story books to propogate the messages of Earth Day tomorrow? With the budding interest in all things "green," children's books with environmental themes are cropping up everywhere. We've rounded up a list of lists to help early childhood educators find the best books for the festivities.
How much does it cost? And, how are we going to pay for it? Debates about improving quality, access, and alignment in early education programs often hinge on these two questions.
The National Association of State Board of Education has a new resource for anybody thinking about PreK-3rd alignment. It's the 
