Policy Research

The Effects of Universal Pre-K in Oklahoma: Research Highlights and Policy Implications

William T. Gomley Jr., Deborah Phillips

Summary

Oklahoma’s position as one of three states nationally to offer universal preschool is examined. Evaluations revealed strong positive effects for both children’s language and cognitive test scores. Hispanic children benefited most from the program along with black children showing strong improvements. Full day programs were proven to be especially successful.

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Policy Implications

The findings indicate that universal preschool strongly benefits children, particularly those that are economically disadvantaged minorities. However, such programs are costly for states to implement. Oklahoma’s emphasis on creating small classrooms of socioeconomically diverse children with highly trained teachers could be difficult to replicate in other states.