This deep-red state decided to make a serious investment in preschools. It's paying off big-time.


In 2017, Alabama was one of only three states to meet all 10 of the national recognized benchmarks for preschool quality. The state credits bipartisan support, a low teacher-to-student ratio, and high teacher salaries and credential requirements for its recent improvements. “We hoped that quality preschool would benefit the most at-risk students,” the head of the Alabama School Readiness Alliance says. “It’s surpassed our expectations.”

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