A National Bureau of Economic Research working paper written by Professor Heckman and Tim Kautz on interventions that improve character and cognitive skills.
Topic: Character Matters/Social & Emotional Skills
Understanding the Mechanisms through Which an Influential Early Childhood Program Boosted Adult Outcomes View Academic Paper
Published in October 2013, research from Professor Heckman, Rodrigo Pinto (University of Chicago) and Peter Savelyev (Vanderbilt University) revealed that non-cognitive skill development, not IQ enhancement, is the primary factor underlying the success of high-quality early childhood education. A summary of the research findings and their implications can be found here.
Letter to the Budget Conference Committee View Statement
In October 2013, Professor Heckman sent a letter to the congressional conference committee tasked with negotiating a budget deal by mid-December, urging the conferees to consider smart investments in early childhood development programs as part of their budget plan. He attached a letter he sent in the fall of 2011 to the Joint Select Committee…
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…
Business Leader Training Deck View Presentation
This presentation was created by The Heckman Equation as a resource for business leaders and early childhood education advocates. It was presented at the 2013 Pennsylvania Economic Summit on Early Childhood Investment by Rich Neimand.
La Inversión en el Desarrollo durante la Primera Infancia: Reduce Déficits y Fortalece la Economía View Page
Invest in Early Childhood Development: Reduce Deficits, Strengthen the Economy View Summary
In this two-page summary document, Professor Heckman argues that the best way to reduce deficits is to invest in quality early childhood development for disadvantaged children. It creates better education, health, social and economic outcomes that increase revenue and reduce the need for costly social spending. “The highest rate of return in early childhood development…
Intergenerational Long Term Effects of Preschool: Structural Estimates from a Discrete Dynamic Programming Model View Academic Paper
From the National Bureau of Economic Research working paper series, written by Professor Heckman and Professor Lakshmi Raut, published in May 2013.
Presentation at the Education Writers Association National Seminar View Presentation
View Professor Heckman’s slide presentation and private speaking notes from his address at the Education Writers Association National Seminar in Palo Alto, California, on May 3, 2013.
Prevent the Achievement Gap Watch Video
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.