"Dr. Ed Zigler's wise and persuasive book combines up-to-the-minute analysis of the voluminous Head Start and preschool research record with rich insights rooted in more than four decades as a policy-maker and renowned researcher. This candid and timely look at the politics, policies, and people that shaped Head Start's history--including a sometimes rueful look back at Zigler's younger self--includes many memorable anecdotes, but never elevates them above the more lasting lessons shared. Researchers and early childhood policy experts will value Dr. Zigler's compelling judgments about the evidence on such controversies as Head Start's lasting benefits. And all Americans hungry for change and good government but skeptical about what is possible should appreciate this real-life story about public policies that have bettered the lot of America's children."--Olivia Golden, Institute Fellow, The Urban Institute, and author of Reforming Child Welfare Welfare "This book is terrific. Not only does it present a thorough history of Head Start, it provides an intellectual tour of the issues and research that shaped this landmark program and an insider's perspective on the political twists and turns confronting programs for children and families of the past half century.
No one could tell this tale the way Ed Zigler does and only he--a first rate scholar and empirical researcher who has devoted much of his professional life not only to applied work but also to understanding the political ramifications of applied practice--has the capacity to synthesize the information presented here. In many respects, this book serves as a manual for other academics who wish to make an impact on social policy while still maintaining their sense of values and their integrity. It is a remarkable story and it is told very well."--Samuel J. Meisels, President, Erikson Institute "Zigler integrates the disciplines of political science, sociology and child development to give an intellectually rich and powerful account of one of the most important social programs in recent history. As someone who helped to create and shape Head Start, he tells a story that no one else can. Hidden History is poignant, humorous, and enlightening."--Deborah Stipek, Dean, Stanford School of Education "This narrative account offers fascinating details into how Head Start became one of the foremost social programs in U.
S. history.Zigler's personal anecdotes take the reader behind the scenes to understand what really happened before key events and meetings.a remarkable and lucid documentation of a key part of the early childhood heritage." --National Association for the Education of Young Children "Ihe Hidden History of Head Start will be of great importance to those who shape Head Start's future, and to those who wish to develop, research, and implement new early childhood programs. Students, historians, and scholars in the fields of early intervention and developmental science, as well as policymakers, will find here an invaluable resource as well as a fascinating chronicle of one of the foremost social programs in US history." --PsycCRITIQUES "The Hidden History of Head Start will be of deep benefit to students of science and policy making and their interface in child development. A careful reading of this rich and enjoyable account can provide essential lessons that could improve the lives of young children.
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