On June 6, Californians to decide whether to tax the rich to add another public school year

This we know: Little minds matter.

That simple thought — perhaps obvious to parents — has emerged as a scientific revelation within the last decade. Almost at conception, the brain starts developing. At birth, the mind really gets moving and keeps a vigorous pace for the next few years.

During that time, for good or for bad, the brain sets a course for the future. In short, what happens to childrens brains before kindergarten affects what kind of student they will be once they get there. Sometimes those little minds are ready and willing to learn. Too often, they are not.

The question is, What should the state do about that?

On June 6, California voters will decide whether California should tax its wealthiest residents to reach more of those little brains a year earlier than it does now.

Proposition 82 would raise as much as $2.4 billion a year to provide voluntary preschool to every 4-year-old. The measure, brought to voters by actor/director Rob Reiner, is a monumental change to the state's public school system — arguably the most formidable piece of public education policy in decades.

"It's hard to be sanguine about this one," said Ross Thompson, psychology professor at University of California, Davis, and an expert in child development. "It's hard to be disinterested."

If California passes Proposition 82, it will be among the first states to create a comprehensive universal program, adding a year of education to the K-12 system. If it does not pass, it is unlikely the Legislature would take up the idea or another initiative would find its way onto a ballot anytime soon.

In other words, this is the one best shot to do this for the foreseeable future, but it would set the state on an expensive course nearly impossible to reverse.

What's in it

Proposition 82, the so-called Preschool for All initiative, would increase the state income tax from 9.3 percent to 11 percent for individuals earning more than $400,000 and couples earning more than $800,000 — raising an estimated $2.4 billion annually. That would be enough to provide three hours of daily preschool to the estimated 385,000 4-year-olds who likely would participate.

County superintendents would administer funding of local providers, including nonprofit, public and private programs, even religious preschools as long as the three hours of public instruction were nonreligious.

If the measure passes, it would take several years to ramp up with money and time devoted to train teachers and organize providers.

While as many as 65 percent of the state's 4-year-olds are in some form of day care or preschool, they are not always in quality programs, supporters say. That means trained, well-paid teachers and an environment to support the emotional, social and cognitive needs of children.

Universal or bust

For Reiner, who with his wife has contributed more than $1 million to the campaign, Proposition 82 had to benefit all children.

Critics have questioned the need to raise billions of dollars to help middle-class or wealthy families pay for preschool. Wouldn't it be a better use of funds to help those who need it most?

Research shows low-income and minority students benefit the most from quality preschool, with lower retention rates in later grades, lower enrollment in special education and a greater chance of earning a diploma.

Research also shows all students can benefit from a quality preschool experience, but the long-term effects are not as clear cut.

The universal versus targeted debate is a big one throughout the country.

Universal supporters say they've tried the targeted approach. It was called Head Start, and while the federal program has worked for untold thousands of children, it has reached at best only 50 percent of the targeted population of low-income children and has never been fully funded.

The strict income limits have also shut out untold numbers of other children who could have benefited.

Head Start co-founder Ed Zigler has become a universal convert and advocate, saying it's the "best strategy to ensure everyone has the chance at a strong start in elementary school."

"It is without question the fairest policy, and it also is the only way to ensure that quality preschool is available to at-risk children who need it most," said the Proposition 82 supporter.

Opponents strongly disagree. Preschool is a great idea, but Proposition 82's universal preschool is not, they say. The opposition argues the initiative wouldn't increase preschool enrollment enough to warrant a $2.4 billion annual expenditure, quality notwithstanding.

Proposition 82 is "not a vote for or against preschool," said Larry McCarthy, president of the California Taxpayers' Association, which opposes the measure. "The vast majority of groups we have talked to believe there are much more important priorities for California and for our limited tax dollars, like fixing K-12."

Research shows...

Whether Proposition 82 will help children and save California money or be a big money pit depends on whom you talk to. The piles of research favoring one side or the other is enormous.

This week, an analysis by the conservative Pacific Research Institute reports Proposition 82 is a "guaranteed formula for failure."

The National Institute for Early Education Research is releasing its own analysis this week saying the measure will give California a significant return on the investment.

While Democrats and independents tend to support it and Republicans tend to oppose it, the lines are not so clear cut.

Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger opposes it, as does state Senate President Pro Tem Don Perata, D-Oakland, who initially supported it.

The Oakland, Los Angeles and San Francisco chambers of commerce endorsed the measure. The state Chamber of Commerce is actively opposed.

State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jack O'Connell is stumping for it. "This initiative is a major step in helping us close the achievement gap," he said.

State Sen. Tom Torlakson, D-Antioch and a declared candidate for state superintendent in 2010, pulled his support in March. "As I learned more about the details I have become concerned, particularly, that it does not provide enough emphasis on the children that have the greatest need," he said.

Both sides can agree on one thing. The vote on June 6 will likely be a nail-biter.

Latest polls show support for the measure hovering at 50 percent, with expensive television ad campaigns kicking off this week. The Yes on 82 campaign has about $10 million to spend. The No on 82 folks have about $4.5 million.

For more information on Proposition 82, visit http://www.ss.ca.gov or http://www.lao.ca.gov.

Contact Jill Tucker at jtucker@angnewspapers.com.

Preschool measure is up to voters PRI in the News By: Jill Tucker 5.18.2006