Important National Reports

Children’s Budget 2008
Federal spending on children affects every young person in America. Whether they benefit from an education program or a health care grant, all children are affected by federal budget choices. Annual spending on children continues to decrease as part of a 45-year trend in which the children’s share of the budget has declined 23% since 1960.

Entering Kindergarten: Findings From the Condition of Education 2000
When determining school readiness and effectiveness, it is useful to consider not only what the average child knows at school entry but also the range of knowledge across an entire class of children. This provides a deeper look into progress made in Kindergarten while considering student skills upon entering Kindergarten.

P reschool For All: Investing in a Productive and Just Society
Ensuring that all children have the opportunity to enter school ready to learn requires national reform in the federal approach to early learning. The ultimate goal should be universal access to free, high-quality prekindergarten classes, offered by a variety of providers, for all children whose parents want them to participate.

Opportunity in America: The Role of Education
If equal opportunities in achieving the American Dream are possible, greater and more effective investments in education must be in place for America’s youngest children. The most important step the nation can take is to strengthen and reform the education system so that it compensates for differences in family background.