- Curiosity in children linked to academic achievement
A new study from researchers at the University of Michigan investigated the link between curiosity and early academic success, finding that curious children are better able to master early math and reading skills.The effect was more pronounced for children from low-income communities, who may grow up in less stimulating, resource-scarce environments.”Our results suggest that while higher curiosity is associated with higher academic achievement in all children, the association of curiosity with academic achievement is greater in children with low socioeconomic status,” lead author Prachi Shah said. “The promotion of curiosity may be a valuable intervention target to foster early academic achievement, with particular advantage for children in poverty.”Read the summary article at eurekalert.org or the full study in Pediatric Research. - Intensive early childhood education linked to higher educational attainment later in life
A new result from one of the longest running studies examining the impact of intensive early childhood education found that low-income children who received four to six years of services were almost 50 percent more likely to earn a college degree by age 35.The finding is a result of the Chicago Longitudinal Study, which followed 1,500 students from low-income neighborhoods in Chicago who attended preschool in intensive Child-Parent Centers for about 30 years until they reached adulthood.”Given that educational attainment is the leading social determinant of health, findings demonstrate that school-based early childhood programs, such as the CPC program, have significant potential to advance life-course health and well-being.” said Arthur J. Reynolds, director of the study.Read the summary article on the University of Minnesota website or the full study in JAMA Pediatrics.
- New study seeks to estimate the cost of childhood poverty to United States economy
To estimate the economic cost of childhood poverty on the United States, two researchers examined a vast field of data, including factors such as increased costs of healthcare and criminality, and a loss of economic productivity.The study, published in Social Work Research, concluded that the annual costs of childhood poverty is $1.0298 trillion, which represents 5.4 percent of the gross domestic product.The article discusses various causes and solutions to childhood poverty before the authors finally conclude, “The bottom line is that reducing poverty is justified not only from a social justice perspective, but from a cost–benefit perspective as well. Investing in programs that reduce childhood poverty is both smart and effective economic policy.”Read the full study in Social Work Research.
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