Pottstown Mercury: GUEST COLUMN: This Veterans Day, look to the future our veterans fought to preserve
This Veterans Day offers a chance to thank those service men and women among us for their military service and dedication. Our veterans contribute their talents to building a strong defense so that our future is filled with freedom and opportunity.
Of course, today’s technologically sophisticated military bears little resemblance to the Armed Forces that earlier generations served. What never changes is the need for dedicated people, whether they flew biplanes in 1917 or operate unmanned drones today. These hardy souls are leaders, go-getters, team players, and good communicators, equipped with the character traits needed to become outstanding soldiers, sailors, airmen, and Marines.
However, we are concerned that too few young people today offer those innate capabilities needed to serve. According to the 2016 Citizen-Readiness Index, 72 percent of Pennsylvania youth ages 17 to 24 are ineligible for military service due to problems with obesity, education, drug abuse, or crime.
The Citizen-Readiness Index, produced by the Council for a Strong America, also found that, in Pennsylvania, 13 percent of youth ages 16 to 24 are unemployed and not in school, and that 13 youth out of 100 ages 17 to 24 have an arrest record.
These findings show that many young adults are not only barred from military service; they’re also not ready to function in our communities. Just like the military, businesses thrive on the contributions of energetic, creative self-starters, but employers are having trouble finding them, and the economy suffers.
Fortunately, we know a proven solution addressing all facets of this dilemma — high-quality prekindergarten. A formidable body of research has revealed the remarkable growth and development occurring in the brains of children from birth to age 5. With the proper environment, relationships, and enrichment, young brains form the connections that build the foundation for a lifetime of academic achievement, physical health, and social functioning.
Children from high-quality prekindergarten experience fewer grade repetitions and special education placements, lower rates of crime and incarceration, and increased graduation rates. They and their families are also likelier to learn healthy eating and exercise habits that substantially reduce childhood obesity.
The U.S. Department of Defense understands the direct line from early childhood to citizen-readiness, including possible military service. Defense Department initiatives have placed high-quality early learning facilities at bases worldwide, so active-duty personnel can do their jobs knowing that their young children are safe and secure in environments filled with learning opportunities.
And for the many military personnel who don’t live on base the Defense Department offers vouchers that substantially reduce the cost of quality prekindergarten. In a demonstration of the department’s commitment to high-quality early learning, these vouchers must be spent in facilities meeting measurable standards of excellence.
Pennsylvania has made impressive strides in delivering high-quality early learning to the children most likely to benefit, but need remains. In Montgomery County, 180 new state-funded pre-K slots were established this year. Yet, 85 percent of eligible young children still do not have access to high-quality, publicly funded prekindergarten. Pennsylvania should follow the military’s lead and continue to prioritize early education.
As we rightfully thank those men and women that have served in our Armed Forces this Veterans Day, let’s also reflect on the future and what we can do to ensure that more young people are citizen-ready.
State Representative Thomas P. Murt, 152nd Legislative District – Representative Murt previously served in the U.S. Army Reserve and was deployed with the 4th Infantry Division to Iraq in 2003. Contact info: 19 South York Road, Hatboro, PA 19040; tmurt@pahousegop.com; (215) 674-3755
Major General (Ret.) Wesley E. Craig, Jr., U.S. Army – General Craig previously served as Pennsylvania’s Adjutant General and currently sits on the Executive Advisory Council of Mission: Readiness – Military Leaders for Kids. Contact info:1615 Brent Road, Oreland, PA 19075; wcraig28@juno.com; (215) 317-2184
Read the editorial here.
Lancaster Online: Op-ed: We need to invest in pre-K for the sake of our nation
November 11, 2016
When we pause on Veterans Day on Friday to thank those who devote themselves to military service, we are thanking them for the talents and character traits they put on the line for our country.
They are strong leaders, selfless public servants and brave women and men. They also are resourceful, good communicators and, above all, team players. Working together, they preserve the freedom and values we cherish.
While today’s increasingly sophisticated military demands technological capabilities unknown by previous generations, the backbone of a strong defense is and always has been its people and their readiness to serve.
Unfortunately, readiness has become problematic for military recruitment today, and the possible consequences are deeply troubling.
According to the 2016 Citizen-Readiness Index, 72 percent of Pennsylvanians ages 17 to 24 are ineligible for military service because of problems with obesity, education, drug abuse or crime. That’s three out of four young adults whose potential can’t be tapped to serve our country, whether in peace or war.
The Citizen-Readiness Index, produced by the Council for a Strong America, warns of problems ahead if our young people aren’t prepared to perform in the military, workplaces or communities.
The index also found that, in Pennsylvania, 13 percent of ages 16 to 24 are unemployed and not in school, and that 13 out of 100 ages 17 to 24 have an arrest record.
It all ties together. Employers want the same capable people military leaders need: self-starters, the technologically skilled, problem solvers. If those go-getters simply don’t exist, then our national security and our economic vitality suffer.
When searching for solutions to this multifaceted dilemma, one cannot ignore high-quality prekindergarten.
Research is clear: The seeds of capability are sown in the earliest years of life. From birth to age 5, children are primed to build the foundation for academic achievement and physical and emotional health.
High-quality prekindergarten education helps build that foundation by creating strong connections in the brain to carry thought and emotion.
It instills lasting academic gains, cuts down on future crime rates and dramatically reduces childhood obesity rates. The result is fewer taxpayer dollars spent on crime and welfare and, more importantly, young people better prepared to serve their country and their communities.
The U.S. military has long recognized the value of investing in high-quality early learning. All active-duty families living on military installations have access to prekindergarten programs meeting the highest standards of excellence.
Military families not living on base qualify for a stipend to spend on early learning that must meet measurable standards of excellence.
The investment is part of the U.S. Department of Defense’s $1.3 billion yearly commitment to children and youth. After all, today’s children are tomorrow’s men and women in uniform, and evidence-based early learning is the first step in whittling down the numbers of young adults who aren’t qualified to serve.
Pennsylvania has made impressive strides in delivering high-quality early learning to the children most likely to benefit, but need remains.
In Lancaster County, more than 300 new state-funded pre-K slots were established this year. Yet 83 percent of eligible children still do not have access to high-quality, publicly funded prekindergarten. Pennsylvania should follow the military’s lead and continue to prioritize early education.
On this Veterans Day, it’s easy and appropriate to say, “Thank you for your service,” but let’s not stop there.
Let’s ensure the hard work and sacrifice of previous generations is upheld and carried forward by our youth. Continuing Pennsylvania’s commitment to high-quality prekindergarten is a promise to prepare our next generation of citizens.
U.S. Army Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Dennis L. Benchoff and U.S. Navy Vice-Admiral (Ret.) Daniel L. Cooper are Lancaster County residents serving on the Executive Advisory Council of Mission: Readiness — Military Leaders for Kids.
Read the op-ed here.
Morning Call: State Rep. Dan McNeill and retired Rear Admiral David W. Kunzel: Quality pre-k programs build essential foundation for children
November 10, 2016
On this Veterans Day, we take time to honor the men and women among us who served in the Armed Forces. From World War II to present-day engagements in Iraq and Afghanistan — whether they served in war or peace — our veterans went where their nation needed them and served with honor and integrity. They are deserving of our gratitude.
Of course the Army GIs, the Navy sailors and aviators, the Marines, the Coast Guardsmen, or the Air Force fliers of World War II might not recognize the high-tech trappings of today’s military, but they know they can shake hands with men and women who bring the same heart and dedication to service that they did. Even as the military changes, the dedicated people needed to carry out their duties remains constant.
That is why we are troubled by the findings of a recent report from the Council for a Strong America. According to the 2016 citizen-readiness index, 72 percent of Pennsylvania youth ages 17 to 24 are ineligible for military service due to problems with obesity, education, drug abuse or crime.
The index also found that, in Pennsylvania, 13 percent of youth ages 16 to 24 are unemployed and not in school, and that 13 youths out of 100 who are 17 to 24 have an arrest record.
If the military can’t call on these young adults to serve, it’s likely businesses can’t, either. Any institution, whether business or military, thrives and grows on the talents and work ethic of its people. When the talent pool is so depleted that employers can’t find innovators and team players to fill their jobs, then the economy will suffer.
As we pause to think about the veterans who served this country, we should also be searching for solutions to maintain the future strength of the armed forces they so ably served. Today’s children are tomorrow’s leaders both in the civilian workforce and the military. One of the most effective tools for assuring their citizen-readiness is high-quality early childhood education.
Groundbreaking research has revealed the remarkable development of the brain from birth to age 5, when the foundation is built for a lifetime of academic achievement, social functioning and physical health. Children from high-quality prekindergarten go on to experience fewer grade repetitions and special education placements, lower rates of crime and incarceration, and increased graduation rates. They even learn healthy eating and exercise habits that substantially reduce rates of childhood obesity.
In the overall equation, these young people cost us less in taxpayer dollars spent on education, health care and criminal justice. More importantly, they are likelier to be fully contributing citizens, ready for military service and good jobs.
Unfortunately, too few children get the opportunities that prepare them for success. In Lehigh County, 74 percent of at-risk children don’t have access to publicly funded, high-quality prekindergarten. In Northampton County, it’s 78 percent. Pennsylvania has made great strides in committing to early learning, but as the county numbers show, it’s not enough.
In fact, Pennsylvania could follow the example of the Department of Defense, which has made a substantial commitment to early learning. On military bases worldwide, the department has established high-quality prekindergarten, so personnel can work on their vital missions with the comfort of knowing that their children are enjoying days of fun and learning in safe environments.
And because so many military personnel don’t live on bases, the Defense Department offers vouchers that substantially reduce the cost of prekindergarten. These vouchers must be spent in facilities meeting measurable standards of excellence.
Military service is filled with difficult decisions, but this time, the choice is simple. Pennsylvania’s commitment to high-quality prekindergarten will produce a corps of young Americans who, like the veterans we honor today, are citizen-ready.
State Rep. Dan McNeill of Whitehall Township, who represents the 133rd District, previously served in the Pennsylvania National Guard. David W. Kunkel of Allentown is a retired rear admiral with the Coast Guard and serves on the executive advisory committee of Mission: Readiness – Military Leaders for Kids.
Read the article here.
Lancaster Online: Editorial: On this day after the election, we turn our attention to other concerns
November 9, 2016 by LNP Editorial Board
Do you hear that?
The blessed silence, we mean.
No more screaming political ads on the TV and radio. No more heart-poundingly ominous warnings about the fate that awaits us if we don’t vote for a particular candidate.
Let’s enjoy it while it lasts, because campaigning seems to have become the new American pastime, one with an exhaustingly long season and no all-star breaks.
So for just one day at least, let’s turn our attention to the world outside of politics.
It turns out there is one.
The new classrooms will provide spots for 60 students. As LNP reported Tuesday, they were made possible by the inclusion of $30 million in additional pre-K funding in the 2016-17 state budget.
It costs $170,000 to fund a classroom for 20 pre-K students, according to city schools Superintendent Damaris Rau.
But the benefits are enormous.
When you test preschoolers who have attended pre-K, 83 percent are prepared for kindergarten, Rau noted. When you test preschoolers who haven’t attended pre-K, only 37 percent are prepared for kindergarten.
Research shows that 90 percent of brain development takes place in the first five years of a child’s life. How much a child learns in those formative early years — and, in particular, how great is his or her exposure to language — can determine how that child does in school and ultimately in life.
So it’s wonderful that three more pre-K classrooms have opened in Lancaster city. But there’s still a way to go in meeting the early education needs of our children.
Four hundred students in the School District of Lancaster remain on the pre-K waiting list.
Only 17 percent of eligible 3- and 4-year-olds in Lancaster County have access to publicly funded, high-quality pre-K, said Randy Patterson, director of Economic Development and Neighborhood Revitalization for the City of Lancaster and board chair for United Way of Lancaster County.
The implications of failing to provide children with the education they need are far-reaching.
As Lancaster County District Attorney Craig Stedman pointed out, about half of state prison inmates have not graduated from high school. The annual cost of incarcerating someone in state prison is $45,000; incarceration costs the state about $2.3 billion annually.
“I think we’d rather pay for an education than an incarceration,” he said.
We agree. Funding early education is the fiscally smart choice. And it happens to be the morally right one, too — because every child, no matter the ZIP code in which he or she resides, deserves to get the best possible start in life.
Read the editorial here.
Lancaster Online: 3 new pre-K classrooms for Lafayette elementary, leaders push for more funding
By Lindsey Blest
November 8, 2016
Pedro Rivera squatted on a multicolored carpet, chanting an alphabet rap with 20 pre-kindergarten students in a new classroom at Lafeyette Elementary School in Lancaster city.
“When I say ‘K,’ you say ‘kuh,’ ” the Pennsylvania Secretary of Education said.
Rivera joined a panel of local and state leaders at the School District of Lancaster school Monday for a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new classrooms and a roundtable discussion on pre-K funding.
“The investment in quality early childhood education will ensure that kids are on a trajectory to be successful,” Rivera said.
The three new classrooms provide spots for a total of 60 students. They were made possible by the inclusion of $30 million in additional pre-K funding in the 2016-17 state budget.
“I’m really proud to see great programs happen here at Lafayette,” said Rivera, who was SDL superintendent from 2008 to 2015.
Funding a classroom for 20 pre-K students costs $170,000, according to current SDL Superintendent Damaris Rau.
Testing results have shown that 83 percent of pre-K students are prepared for kindergarten, but only 37 percent are prepared without pre-K, she said.
ldquo;Pre-K education has to become our mission,” Rau said.
There are currently 392 pre-K students in the district with 400 more on the waiting list.
Only 17 percent of eligible 3- and 4-year-olds in Lancaster County have access to publicly funded, high-quality pre-K, said Randy Patterson, director of Economic Development and Neighborhood Revitalization for the City of Lancaster and board chair for the United Way of Lancaster County.
During the roundtable discussion, local leaders discussed the benefit that pre-K education brings to education, crime reduction, the military and business.
“A vital city has to have a vital education program,” Lancaster city Mayor Rick Gray said.
Studies have shown advancement in education, better suitability to society and reduction in crime begins with early education, he said.
Lancaster County District Attorney Craig Stedman said he sees many crime statistics, but the best statistic is “the one I don’t see.”
“I would be happy if the results here put me out of a job,” Stedman said.
Stedman said about half of state prison inmates have not graduated from high school. He added that the annual cost for incarcerating an inmate in state prison is $45,000, and that it currently costs the state about $2.3 billion annually.
“I think we’d rather pay for an education than an incarceration,” he said.
Gov. Tom Wolf pledged to introduce an “ambitious” early childhood education plan in the 2017-18 budget at a round table discussion with state and Philadelphia leaders last week.
While it’s premature to state the total amount Wolf will request, spokesman Jeff Sheridan said, he is committed to continued investment in education at all levels.
“Education is his priority,” Sheridan said. “When we provide access to early childhood education, students perform better in life.”
Read the full article here.
