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.
Related Resources
Research Summary: Perry Preschool and Character Skill Development View Summary
This two-page research summary provides proof that social and emotional development in early childhood development drives better education, health, social and economic outcomes. Heckman highlights the influence that character skills have on school, career and life success, and provides guidance for how advocates and policymakers can use the research to promote effective social and economic change.…
Quality Early Childhood Education: Enduring Benefits. View Statement
This article first appeared in The Hechinger Report on October 15, 2015. Disadvantaged children who receive quality early childhood development have much better education, employment, social and health outcomes as adults, the vast majority of research shows. Unfortunately, this good news is getting lost in the current obsession over third-grade test scores. This is the…
The Health Effects of Two Influential Early Childhood Interventions View Academic Paper
Professor Heckman, Gabriella Conti (University College London) and Rodrigo Pinto (University of Chicago) examine the comparative impact of the Perry Preschool Project and the Abecedarian Project on long-term health.
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…