The Benefit-Cost Analysis Of Preschool Education As A Social Investment

Preschool Education as a Social Investment

Researches play a significant role in the society because it is through these that knowledge is enhanced and expanded. Aside from that, the different breakthroughs brought about by researches enable people to understand the world they live in. One important research which examined preschool education as a social investment was written by W. Steven Barnett. His study, entitled Benefit-Cost Analysis of the Perry Preschool Program and Its Policy Implications, sought to present a benefit-cost analysis of the Perry Preschool Program and the long-term effects that these investments will bring about (Barnett, 1985, p.333). Results of the study have shown that the net present value which resulted from the
I believe that the long-term efficacy of learning intervention is vital as it guides a child as to how he develops in the most sensitive period of his growth. Learning intervention must be done as early as possibility because such will become a foundation through which a child is able to function properly, may it be in the aspect of cognitive, behavioral, social, and physical developments. Another key strength of the study is evident with how the benefits for comparisons are based on the entire sample. I believe this part of the analysis is commendable because sample population is critical in the validity in any sampling. This is because the participants thereby are usually generalized to a larger population. This way, an accurate analysis and valid results are achieved. As such, the Perry Preschool Program was indeed an investment by the larger society in the lives of children who are given lesser opportunity to attain education success (Barnett, 1985,
One strength of this study shows that the preschool program seeks to have a long-term efficacy of learning intervention which it considers vital in how a child is able to function and developed. Aside from that, the study used the entire sample so as to make comparisons more accurate. Despite these strengths, it is undeniable that relying on the Perry study alone could be very dangerous. This is because there are issues that the study did not include. Various issues from all angles should be assessed and determined so that the program is made more effective. Aside from that, the Perry Preschool Program is costly compared to the other programs that are currently operating. Thus, it is important that the program is reexamined and reevaluated. While is true that public funding should be at its strongest for disadvantaged children, the government should make sure that the funding is correctly made so that the money of the people, specifically the taxpayers, are used for the betterment not only of the disadvantaged children, but of the economy of the society in