The basic skills needed for success are formed before children enter school. Investing early helps to prevent the achievement gap, and investing in our most disadvantaged children provides the greatest returns. Professor Heckman advocates for investments in prevention—not remediation.
Related Resources
Lacking Character, American Education Fails the Test View Summary
In this three-page brief, Professor Heckman argues that what we value and measure in American education doesn’t measure up to the true drivers of human and social success. Character skills often matter more than cognitive skills and calls for educating the whole child, from early learning through young adulthood. For decades, there has been a…
The Achievement Gap Starts at Birth View Share Graphic
Heckman Equation Flyer View Summary
This flyer provides the basic argument for investing in early childhood education for disadvantaged children and explains The Heckman Equation: Invest, Develop, Sustain and Gain. 1. Intelligence and social skills are set at an early age—and both are essential for success. Many major economic and social problems in America—crime, teenage pregnancy, high school dropout rates,…
The Heckman Equation Brochure View Summary
A simple introduction to Professor Heckman’s work and the power it has to solve some of the most pressing social and economic problems we face. Use this resource at meetings and events to support your argument for the value of investing in early childhood development. 1. Intelligence and social skills are developed at an early…