Early Grade Success

Research from Texas and across the U.S. shows that effective pre-k programs help students start kindergarten with the skills they need to succeed, boost early literacy and academic achievement, and reduce both grade retention and provision of special education ser vices. This brief outlines examples of these research findings from throughout the countr y and here in Texas. It then concludes with a closer look at ways that Texas legislators should harness the power of early childhood education by funding full-day pre-k and taking other steps as they address school finance during the 2019 legislative session.