Critics are wrong. The evidence on NC Pre-K is clear.

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Benefits of NC Pre-K are clear

Michael Lee is an N.C. state senator. Jim Goodnight is CEO of SAS.

North Carolina’s pre-kindergarten program (NC Pre-K) has over 15 years of data and research suggesting that the state’s program for low income 4-year-olds has lasting impacts. But now, some are suggesting we reconsider whether NC Pre-K should continue at all. In North Carolina, the data clearly signals that the answer is a resounding “yes.”

Those who suggest ending it cite a study about a poorly implemented program in Tennessee, which studied one cohort of children from 12 years ago when the Tennessee program had serious quality issues.

It’s no surprise that tracking students enrolled in classrooms deemed “low-quality” would yield poor results. NC Pre-K doesn’t show these same shortcomings. In fact, multiple studies from UNC and Duke reached the conclusion that NC Pre-K works, with results that don’t fade over time.

Duke’s multi-year study found increased reading and math scores, a reduction in special ed placements, and a lower likelihood of students being held back a grade. Even more impressive, Duke found these outcomes last through at least the eighth grade, growing over time and saving the state significant funds. They benefited every group of children, no matter economic status or race.

The recommendations made regarding Tennessee’s program are already in place in NC Pre-K. The N.C. program offers quality early learning experiences grounded in play instead of overly academic instruction seen in Tennessee. NC Pre-K also boasts well-trained, highly qualified teachers in classrooms designed to meet the needs of our youngest learners.

NC Pre-K is offered through a variety of settings — public schools, childcare, Head Start — supporting choice for families and promoting continuity so children experience the same caring adults throughout the day and year.

High-quality pre-K is a beneficial investment, but not a “magic bullet.” The long-term success of students cannot be expected to rest on early childhood investments alone. Nevertheless, how students fare in middle school and beyond starts with a sound early childhood education.

We have a national model for high-quality pre-K. We know it works. Rather than pulling back, now is the time to strengthen our commitment to build upon the proven results of NC Pre-K. It’s important for our children and our state.

Sen. Michael Lee

Jim Goodnight

How to combat high gas prices

The writer is executive director of East Coast Greenway Alliance.

Record economic growth and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine have sent prices at the pump higher than ever. Is there anything we can do? Yes. We can stand up to higher gas prices by lowering our demand and biking our way to lower costs and a higher quality of life.

There is so much potential to grow biking and walking in the U.S. since only 13% of our trips are by bike or on foo, compared to 25-50% in much of Europe.

Half of U.S. trips are less than 4 miles. If we replaced one in five of those with bike rides and walks to school, work, errands and recreation it could stop the increase in prices in its tracks.

The biggest challenge to increasing biking in the U.S. is the lack of safe routes from homes to workplaces, schools and other destinations. That’s why East Coast Greenway Alliance is spearheading completion of the 3,000-mile Maine to Florida East Coast Greenway. We’re working to drive more public investment in safe biking and walking infrastructure — sidewalks, bike lanes, greenways.

The Triangle has more than 300 miles of beautiful greenways and the Charlotte region boasts an inspiring Carolina Thread Trail vision in development. But there are gaps in the network, so we’re calling on local, state and federal leaders to invest more in completing the East Coast Greenway and other key routes.

Everyone deserves a safe route to walk and bike, a haven for body/mind health. My family of five saves thousands per year by being a one-car family that bikes and walks to soccer practice, work, restaurants and more. We all have the power to stand up to higher gas prices by lowering our demand.

Dennis Markatos-Soriano, Durham