Investing in youth

Education

Regarding “Texas making strides, but still needs improvements in early education, report finds” (Chron.com, April 18), we need to invest more in pre-K. This is important to me as a retired general, because 73 percent of young adults in Texas are ineligible for military service, primarily because they are poorly educated, too overweight, or have a record of crime or drug abuse. If we do not address such problems early in children’s lives, we risk a shortage of qualified recruits for our military, which will leave the country vulnerable for years to come.

Numerous research studies show that the early years of life have a significant impact on educational attainment, behaviors and health. This explains why highquality early education can help children succeed in school, stay on the right side of the law and achieve a healthy weight in the long term.

However, these results are only possible through programs that meet quality standards, such as those outlined in the National Institute for Early Education Research’s report. Unfortunately, our state pre-K program only meets 4 of the 10 quality standards. That is why I encourage state policymakers to adequately invest in highquality pre-K so that children are prepared for success in whatever path they choose, including serving their country in uniform. Our future national security depends on whether we choose to make this investment in our youngest citizens.

Steve Hummer, The Woodlands