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This brief reviews promising models in Washington state for achieving universal prekindergarten with high standards and professional compensation for teachers.

Learn how to build a successful political movement around universal Pre-K. Individual sections cover strategic planning, developing messages, involving both likely and unlikely allies, resolving conflicts within the coalition, grassroots organizing, and working with state legislators.

Current education policy in the United States, which emphasizes high stakes testing of children, is unfair to many who do not experience an adequate education.

The education of American children begins long before they enter a kindergarten classroom.

The widespread and systematic use of standardized observation in classrooms from pre-kindergarten to third grade has the potential to address major shortcomings in educational services provided to young children.

The report shows that pre-K improves academic achievement among all children regardless of income, race, or ethnicity.

In January 2003, Columbia University’s Institute for Child and Family Policy, the National Prekindergarten Center at the University of North Carolina, and the Foundation for Child Development hosted an invitational, half-day conference entitled, Setting a Research Agenda for Prekindergarten.

School districts in Washington state understand the importance of early education as a key strategy for closing the student achievement gap.