Disparities in Access to Education
It is important to note that Gorski described the main initiatives that can be taken to solve problems in the education sector. I support the author’s opinion that even though the United States is one of the wealthiest countries in the world, there are significant problems with access to education. This is especially evident among the lower social class, who cannot afford kindergarten and before-school education.
The author also successfully emphasizes that in the United States, children from low-income families can theoretically benefit from a social program, but it is almost impossible in practice (Gorski 179). Thus, there is a significant difference between school kids; some received quality preschool education, while others did not because their parents could not afford it.
Impact of Early Education Programs
Moreover, this distinction in education affects children’s further training and development in society. Gorski cites the example of the Early Head Start program, which was implemented to support children from marginalized families (Gorski 180). The results of the program demonstrate that children who were able to attend it did not have delays in speech and development. Consequently, they were at the same level of development at school as children from wealthy families (Gorski 181).
I consider this evidence strong enough to support the policy advocating for universal preschools and kindergartens. This is because they aim to ensure that children from early childhood can actively develop regardless of social status. Accordingly, I support the author’s statement that people should care about education to prevent poverty.
Challenges in Rural Preschool Education
Nevertheless, I assess the problems that exist in the delivery of preschool education programs. Gorski notes that this is most noticeable in rural areas, where children often do not have access to preschool education due to insufficient funding (Gorski 182). Meanwhile, children need a lot of attention, so organizing more classes with small groups of people is critical.
I think this is essential in ensuring that every child can receive help from teachers depending on their unique needs. Gorski confirms this with the example of higher standardized test scores of children who studied in smaller classes (Gorski 182). Thus, I support expanding public and private funding for preschool education.
Integrating Health and Wellness in Preschools
I believe preschools should provide children from poor families access to the health care system. The author provided a case study of a school in Albuquerque, New Mexico, where preschool children had the support of a person with a medical background (Gorski 183). As a result, they increased their health through healthy eating and physical activity. I consider that kids from low-income families have a chance to learn proper eating behavior and create an effective schedule. Therefore, I agree with Gorski that wellness programs should be included in all curricula that prepare children.
Supporting Parents for Better Academic Outcomes
However, for children to receive better academic results, parents need to be supported. The author emphasizes that the poor must work many hours to ensure a minimum income level, so they usually cannot pay attention to their children’s education at home (Gorski 184).
I agree with the ideas of expanding social housing programs, reducing rents, and providing a larger package of healthcare services for families living below the poverty level and having young kids. This is because such programs allow parents to place greater emphasis on their children’s education at home. As a result, the state’s protection of their social situation will enable kids to achieve better results in school.
Work Cited
Gorski, Paul. Reaching and Teaching Students in Poverty: Strategies for Erasing the Opportunity Gap. Teachers College Press, 2017.