Carl T. Hayden's commentary ("Universal pre-K will help close the gap," Dec. 11) resonated in many ways. Like others in the state, I am eager to see the Education Reform Commission's recommendations this month. I hope we will see an expansion of universal pre-kindergarten — especially to high-needs districts — that will, as Mr. Hayden said, help close the achievement gap.
I also hope an expansion will include provisions that ensure pre-K programs are high-quality. This means implementing QUALITYstarsNY or, at the very least, certain components of that program. Quality is essential. QUALITYstarsNY uses program quality standards as a basis for rating programs, monitors program quality, disseminates information about program quality to parents, and supports programs in improving their quality through professional development and technical assistance.
Research shows high-quality early care and education programs, including pre-K, not only increase school readiness in the short term but increase high school graduation rates in the long term. In addition, and particularly important to me as a law enforcement official, high-quality programs are shown to significantly reduce future crime.
All children — but especially those at-risk — deserve a chance to succeed in school and in life. Expanding pre-K, with an emphasis on ensuring quality, can help close the achievement gap and provide a foundation for safer communities.
JACK MAHAR
Rensselaer County sheriff
Troy