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Related Experiment Videos

Randomize groups, not individuals: a strategy for improving early childhood programs.

Robert G St Pierre1, Peter H Rossi

  • 1STP Associates, Breckenridge, Colorado, USA.

Evaluation Review
|September 13, 2006
PubMed
Summary

Federal early childhood programs need systematic evaluation to determine which approaches are most effective. Research should focus on comparing different early education programs using group randomization for better social policy insights.

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Area of Science:

  • Early Childhood Education Research
  • Social Policy Evaluation
  • Program Development

Background:

  • Historical lack of coherence in federal preschool program design.
  • Limited attention to past program successes and failures.
  • Need for systematic evidence in early childhood education policy.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To propose a framework for developing credible information for effective federal preschool programs.
  • To advocate for systematic development and evaluation of alternative approaches.
  • To inform national social policy regarding early childhood education.

Main Methods:

  • Emphasize ongoing, systematic development and evaluation of early childhood programs.
  • Utilize experiments with random assignment of existing groups (e.g., classes, agencies).

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  • Compare competing early education programs or program components.

    • Main Results:

    • Shifts research focus from 'What works?' to 'What works better?' for large-scale programs.
    • Generates more practical information for policy decisions.
    • Provides evidence for embedding effective preschool approaches in social policy.

    Conclusions:

    • Systematic evaluation and group randomization are crucial for improving federal preschool programs.
    • Comparative effectiveness research yields vital data for social policy.
    • Informed policy decisions require rigorous evidence on program efficacy.