State-Funded Preschool in the Last Frontier
August 31, 2021
A new REL Northwest report on Alaska's Pre-Elementary Grants (PEGs) found participation in this state-funded preschool program was positively related to kindergarten readiness, English language proficiency, attendance, and math assessment scores.
Created in 2016, PEGs allow school districts across Alaska to design, develop, and expand preschool in their communities. REL Northwest examined how districts implemented the grants and the characteristics and outcomes of children who participated in PEG programs. The report confirms that, as intended, PEGs serve historically disadvantaged students—including those who are Alaska Native or live in rural-remote communities.
The study findings have important implications for Alaska's efforts to expand preschool and may also be of interest to other predominantly rural states considering similar efforts.
State-Funded Preschool in the Last Frontier: Alaska's Pre-Elementary Grant Program
Report | Infographic