Nobel laureate to speak at K-State about importance of early childhood education

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Source: Debby Hiett, 785-532-5500, hiett@k-state.edu

Tuesday, October 10, 2006

NOBEL LAUREATE TO SPEAK AT K-STATE ABOUT IMPORTANCE OF EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION

MANHATTAN -- Nobel laureate James Heckman will present a Kansas State University Distinguished Lecture at 1:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 3, in the K-State Student Union's Forum Hall.

The lecture is free and the public is invited.

Heckman, a professor of economics at the University of Chicago, is a labor economist who won the Nobel Prize in economic sciences in 2000. He is an expert on the economic effects of early education on educational attainment and quality of life. His visit to K-State is jointly sponsored by the K-State's College of Human Ecology, College of Education, department of economics and the Institute for Academic Alliances.

In researching long-term outcomes for children of low socioeconomic status who live in unstable environments, Heckman has discovered that the crucial period for educational intervention is before the age of 5. He has found that outcomes for these children can be significantly improved with access to high-quality, early educational programs. When these children do not have such opportunities, their later educational and professional outcomes are significantly poorer.

"I've heard Dr. Heckman speak and he is a very engaging speaker," said Virginia Moxley, interim dean of the College of Human Ecology. "With his economics research, he has demonstrated what early childhood experts have been saying for years about the benefits of good early educational experiences. Anyone who is concerned about how we care for young children in this country should attend."

Heckman's lecture is the centerpiece of the College of Human Ecology's 2006 Legacy of Excellence event during which distinguished alumni are recognized for their service to their professions and communities.

More information about the 2006 Legacy of Excellence and Heckman's lecture is available by contacting Debby Hiett at 785-532-5500 or hiett@k-state.edu.

The lecture is sponsored by the University Distinguished Lecturers Committee and the College of Human Ecology.