What is P-20?

In his State of the State address, Governor Snyder said: “It is time that we view our educational system which runs from prenatal to lifelong learning. It’s time to start talking about P-20 instead of just K-12.”

Michigan’s Children is a strong supporter of a P-20 education system, and has committed to advocate for its adoption in state legislation.

So what is P-20 and what would it mean for Michigan children? Here’s a short primer:

P-20 is a cradle-to-career approach to education, recognizing that education doesn’t start and stop at the classroom door. Factors affecting educational success begin in the womb with proper prenatal care, continue after birth by ensuring a safe, healthy and strong support system, and extend into young adulthood leading to a career and economic self-sufficiency.

Put simply: Sick, abused, neglected or hungry children face more obstacles to educational success. As adults, it is our job to ensure they are safe, fed, warm and healthy so they can concentrate on their job of learning and growing.

Why does P stand for prenatal instead of preschool? Scientific research has proven that the first three years of life are the most critical for brain growth and development. Proper prenatal care gives kids the healthy start they need for optimum learning.

What are the benefits of adopting a P-20 approach? We all benefit when our children succeed, in the form of higher tax revenues from gainfully-employed young adults, business taxes from companies that grow, stay or relocate to Michigan because of our educated workforce, and money that would have been spent on higher incarceration rates, teen pregnancy, health problems, poverty, and substance abuse. Research shows that every $1 invested in high quality early care and education services for low-income children reaps a return to society of more than $16.

Are we starting from scratch with this? No, in 2010, outgoing Gov. Granholm renamed a Center for Educational Performance and Information advisory council as a P-20 Council. But its sole function is data collection, and it is not required by law. P-20 councils or task forces have proven successful only where they are required by law and given broad authority to coordinate and align programming, funding and expectations to maximize leveraging opportunities.

How would it work in Michigan? We are advocating for a P-20 Council that is bi-partisan and interagency; builds from existing efforts; engages diverse stakeholders; identifies areas for improvement; and uses its authority and membership to improve how systems work for kids.

What do we need from our Legislature? Michigan’s Children and other advocates are asking state lawmakers to pass legislation establishing a P-20 Council in law, provide resources to support it, and broadly define its role to maximize leveraging opportunities.

How can I help? Urge your state Senator and Representative to support P-20 legislation. Visit www.michiganschildren.org to find contact information and talking points you can use.