“Students who voluntarily participated in Alabama’s high-quality First Class Pre-K program are more likely to be proficient in reading and math than their peers, according to a new study of Alabama third graders. This finding was especially true for minority children and children living in poverty.

“ ‘These findings prove that what we are doing in Alabama is working. Our First Class Pre-K program is second to none and our students are benefitting,’ Governor Kay Ivey said. ‘Now we must work to take the methods of instruction in Pre-K and implement them into kindergarten, first, second and third grade classrooms. Success breeds success and a strong educational foundation is the basis for the success of all Alabamians in the future.’ ”

“Alabama First Class Pre-K Alumni Outperforming Peers According to New Study,” Governor Kay Ivey’s office, February 27, 2018