Bridge Michigan shares insights from Brian Jacob and Christina Weiland on transitional kindergarten 

Bridge Michigan published an opinion article by professors Brian Jacob and Christina Weiland titled “Transitional kindergarten offers lessons for Michigan early learning investments.” Jacob is a professor in the Marsal School, Walter H. Annenberg Professor of Education Policy in the Ford School, and a professor of Economics in the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts. Weiland is a professor in the Marsal School and co-director of the Ford School’s Education Policy Initiative.

Jacob and Weiland observe that TK is popular with families and administrators who report improved early learning and ability to transition to elementary school. Formal assessments show that participating in TK increases math scores in third grade equivalent to roughly six months of additional learning, compared to enrolling in other preschool options or staying home with a family member. 

TK has several distinctive features compared to other programs in the state: teachers who meet the same education and certification standards as K-12 teachers and an approach to curriculum and instruction that adopts evidence-based choices.

The professors’ message to policymakers is to consider additional investment and improvements. For example, The State of Michigan could help ensure that TK is even more widely available by offering training, information, and technical assistance for districts that want to start a TK program.