"Effects of a statewide pre-kindergarten program on children's achievement and behavior through sixth grade": Correction to Durkin et al. (2022)

Dev Psychol. 2022 Jul;58(7):1385. doi: 10.1037/dev0001407.

Abstract

Reports an error in "Effects of a statewide pre-kindergarten program on children's achievement and behavior through sixth grade" by Kelley Durkin, Mark W. Lipsey, Dale C. Farran and Sarah E. Wiesen (Developmental Psychology, 2022[Mar], Vol 58[3], 470-484). In the supplemental materials for the article, there was an error in Tables S1 and S3. An incorrect reverse-coded version of the treatment condition variable was used in the logistic regression models, causing the signs of the coefficients to be reversed, although the magnitude and p values were correct. The reported coefficients and odds ratios have been updated to have the correct direction of effects. (The following abstract of the original article appeared in record 2022-18712-001.) As state-funded pre-kindergarten (pre-K) programs expand, it is critical to investigate their short- and long-term effects. This article presents the results through sixth grade of a longitudinal randomized control study of the effects of a scaled-up, state-supported pre-K program. The analytic sample includes 2,990 children from low-income families who applied to oversubscribed pre-K program sites across the state and were randomly assigned to offers of admission or a wait list control. Data through sixth grade from state education records showed that the children randomly assigned to attend pre-K had lower state achievement test scores in third through sixth grades than control children, with the strongest negative effects in sixth grade. A negative effect was also found for disciplinary infractions, attendance, and receipt of special education services, with null effects on retention. The implications of these findings for pre-K policies and practices are discussed. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved).

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial

MeSH terms

  • Achievement*
  • Child
  • Education, Special
  • Educational Status
  • Humans
  • Poverty
  • Schools*