December 13, 2006 - Tennessee's developing program of pre-kindergarten has helped many children get better prepared for elementary school. The program can catch problems early and focus on specific needs in children who are struggling to do the work.

Gov. Phil Bredesen wants to expand the pre-K program and, if the state budget allows, that should be done. It's only fair that all Tennessee children have access to such a necessary and important part of the education process.

Bredesen wants an extra $25 million a year for the next several years to send the pre-K program into more school systems. He hopes that by the time his second term ends in four years, the program can be in virtually every school system, giving all state children access to it.

Public education may be the most important program funded by state government. Unless the state's school systems have the money they need to alow children to reach their potential and keep them interested in staying until graduation, we will not have done all we can and should do to get kids ready for the real world after high school.

Too many teenagers drop out of school as soon as they legally can. Maybe it's because of discipline problems. But in too many cases it's because the students haven't mastered the basics of an education. They get bored and embarrassed because of it. Casting blame is for someone else. The fact remains that too many teenagers fail to complete their secondary education, and that means they are much more likely to become a drain on society, either by being on public assistance rolls or, worse, an inmate in some jail.

Drop-outs face a tough time. We need everyone who starts out in pre-K or kindergarten to finish their education. The pre-K program is one way to lower the drop-out rate and make a difference.

Bredesen said a comprehensive pre-K program would be "a great legacy" for him and his term as governor. It would be a legacy for Tennessee, too.

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