Tennessee Voluntary Prekindergarten Program (TN-VPK)

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Prekindergarten

About the Intervention

Tennessee Voluntary Prekindergarten Program (TN-VPK) is a full-day prekindergarten program for four-year-old children expected to enter kindergarten the following school year. The program in each participating school district must meet standards set by the State Board of Education that require each classroom to have a teacher with a license in early childhood development and education, an adult-student ratio of no less than 1:10, a maximum class size of 20, and an approved age-appropriate curriculum. TN-VPK is an optional program focused on the neediest children in the state. It uses a tiered admission process with children from low-income families who apply to the program admitted first. Any remaining seats in a given location are then allocated to otherwise at-risk children including those with disabilities and limited English proficiency.

Statistical Findings

Positive effect on literacy

Positive effect on language

Positive effect on math

Positive effect on work-related skills

Positive effect on social behavior

Positive effect on preparedness for kindergarten

No effect on achievement by end of kindergarten

No effect on achievement at end of first grade

Negative effect on achievement in second grade

Negative effect on achievement in third grade

Negative effect on work-related skills in first grade

Negative effect on feelings about school in first grade

No effect on behavior by end of second and third grade

More Intervention Details

Focus Areas

Economically Disadvantaged

Programs & Services

Early Childhood, General Education, Title I

Delivery Methods

Face-to-Face

Disability Support

N/A

Target Groups

Student(s)

Source

Dale C., F., Kerry G., H. & Mark W., L. (2015). A Randomized Control Trial of a Statewide Voluntary Prekindergarten Program on Children's Skills and Behaviors through Third Grade. Research Report (ED566664). ERIC. https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/ED566664.pdf.

Study Demographics

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Other Participant Characteristics

Geographical Setting

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