Collection:LPB

Genre: News, Public Affairs

Place Covered: Louisiana

Copyright Holder: Louisiana Educational Television Authority

Date Issued: 2011-04-01

Duration: 00:06:41

Subjects: Early childhood education

Contributors:

• Whinham, Charlie Host
• Sanford, Shauna Host
• Lincoln, Sue Reporter
• Woods, Virnado Editor
• Stokes, Billy Interviewee
• Pastorek, Paul Interviewee
• Smith, Jane Interviewee
• Badon, Austin Interviewee
• Jones, Sam Interviewee

This segment from the April 1, 2011, episode of the series “Louisiana: The State We’re In” features producer Sue Lincoln’s report on the status of LA 4, the state’s early childhood education program that provides pre-kindergarten classes to at-risk children. Lincoln interviews Dr. Billy Stokes, the director of the Cecil J. Picard Center for Child Development & Lifelong Learning at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, who discusses the expansion of LA 4 into every school district in the state, his belief that LA 4 will not be available to everyone by 2014, and the impact of pre-kindergarten classes on later student performance. Lincoln also interviews State Superintendent of Education Paul Pastorek, who discusses the funding for LA 4 and his belief that kids can succeed without pre-kindergarten classes. Lastly, Lincoln talks to State Representatives Jane Smith, Austin Badon, and Sam Jones about whether the state will be able to keep its promise of providing universal access to LA 4 by 2014. Hosts: Charlie Whinham and Shauna Sanford