While public investment in preschool has been an increasingly popular social policy and there are numerous studies documenting its positive impacts, it is not without controversy. Most critics questioned whether it is worth the investment, as some studies suggested the impacts could be minimal or fade quickly. Others challenged the validity of the studies, as many existing findings were based on small samples or subject to selection bias.
To build on the success of GSRP and help address these concerns, this evaluation study aims to answer four questions:
- Is GSRP equitably accessible to 4-year-old eligible children across geographic, racial/ethnic and income subgroups?
- How do different GSRP quality and implementation strategies relate to preschool outcomes?
- What are the academic benefits of GSRP?
- What are the economic returns to ISDs and comparative cost-effectiveness?
Papers
- Uncovering new opportunities for family engagement during COVID-19
- Resolving Dimensionality in a Child Assessment Tool: An Application of the Multilevel Bifactor Model
Papers Under Review
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Wu, J. H. & Akaeze, H. O. (Under Review). Consider all the evidence on pre-K programs for low-income children: Why randomized controlled trial results must not dictate public policy. Planning and Changing.
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Akaeze, H. O., Wu, J. H., Lawrence, F. R. & Weber, E. (Under Review). Validation of the COR Advantage 1.5 Assessment Tool for preschool children: A multilevel bifactor modeling approach. Journal of Psychoeducational Assessment.
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Wu, J. H., Akaeze, H. O. & Van Egeren, L. A. (Under Review). Tracking child development in preschool settings: The case of COR Advantage. Dimensions of Early Childhood.
Papers In Development
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Who attends public pre-kindergarten? A person-centered approach to understanding similarities and differences among Michigan pre-K participants
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Do middle-Income Families Want Access to Public Pre-K? A Clue from Michigan’s Experience During COVID-19
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Use of geographically weighted regression to assess spatial equity in educational interventions: A Michigan example
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Measuring indirect economic benefits of low-income families' access to Michigan’s public preschools
Briefs
- GSRP Child Outcomes: Findings from Michigan's State-Funded Preschools (January 2023)
- Michigan Public Preschools Improve Kindergarten Readiness (August 2021)
Annual Reports
- Great Start Readiness Program State Evaluation 2020-21 Annual Report
- Great Start Readiness Program State Evaluation 2019-20 Annual Report
- Great Start Readiness Program State Evaluation 2018-19 Annual Report
- Great Start Readiness Program State Evaluation 2017-18 Annual Report. Part One: Accessibility and Program Quality
- Great Start Readiness Program State Evaluation 2017-18 Annual Report. Part Two: Child Eligibility Report