Words Count
Low-income 3rd graders with under-educated parents know about one third as many words as their middle-income peers with well-educated parents (4,000 vs.12,000 words).
From the very start, impoverished preschoolers are behind in literacy and language skills compared to their better-off peers. But all is not lost. With comprehensive, ongoing early interventions it is possible to change the educational odds for low-income children. But it takes a concerted effort with a special curriculum and teacher training. The only way to guarantee all preschool programs deliver equally will take backing from policymakers and educators alike.
All children who are behind can make gains when they have teachers who know how to actively involve children in learning, have an intentional curriculm and have the appropriate supports.