Examining the Impact of Early Childhood Education on Socioeconomic Inequalities

A new study of preschool children in France reveals that students from middle- and upper-class backgrounds are more likely to participate in classroom discussions than their working-class counterparts, regardless of their oral language proficiency. These disparities in engagement opportunities may contribute to the perpetuation of socioeconomic disparities in education. The study suggests that early childhood education should be redesigned to foster engagement among all students, regardless of their social class.