Preschool for All?

Montessorians at Odds in Struggle to Find Common Ground

A ballot measure that would substantially increase state-funded early childhood programs in California has divided respected Montessori educators.

The measure, The Preschool for All Act, Proposition 82, often identified with Hollywood figure Rob Reiner, will be voted on June 6. It would raise taxes on the wealthiest Californians to provide additional educational opportunities for 4-year-olds. It would also set class-size standards, raise educational requirements for teachers and assistants over a 10-year period and open the doors to unionization of preschool teachers. The state superintendent of public instruction would manage the preschool system.

One high-visibility supporter is Norman Lorenz, former president of the International Assn. for Montessori Education, school owner and teacher education center head, and currently a consultant with the California Dept. of Education.

Opponents of the measure include Pamela Rigg, a former American Montessori Society board member, and founder and operator of several schools, a teacher education center and a materials company. She has accepted the position as president of the California Montessori Council, which opposes the measure.

The two sat down with others in March to discuss the issues. Their discussion reflect national ambivalence about the growing pressure to expand public preschool.

Lorenz argued that as the national movement to expand public education to earlier years grows, Montessorians need to support the measure to assure a place in the public discussion. "If the perception is that we are above it all, we will be left behind," he said. "We cannot afford to say 'no.' If we are not at the table on Proposition 82, what's next?"

Rigg argued that state oversight would "not allow us to deliver our unique model," noting that, among other concerns, it would not include the 3-year-olds necessary for the strong multi-age classroom.

Lorenz countered that agreements could be negotiated on a county-by-county basis that could preserve the model, a contention that Rigg did not accept.

Rigg also argued that the payoff of the measure would not be as great as many assume. She said it would affect only 22,000 young people at a cost of $2.4 billion, and might eventually cost about $8,000 per student attending half-day. She said that 60 to 65 percent of California children now have preschool and this measure would improve that only marginally, and put many long-standing programs with commitment to serve low and middle-income families at risk. "Why not directly support the schools that are working," Rigg said, arguing that most California public elementary schools are not models of success.

She noted that Montessori schools are often successful because of private leadership and there is a justifiable fear of bureaucratic control. "Why would we turn over our very successful system to a failed (state) system?" Rigg asked.

Some have expressed concern that opposition from private operators may be primarily economic. The state measure would almost certainly put schools in a position of accepting state standards or having to compete against programs that do not charge tuition. It would also bring pressure to raise teacher salaries. It seems almost certain that most Montessori schools would need to change significantly if they hope to survive.

Lorenz acknowledged that, but argued that small, independent schools, including the ones he once owned, have always had to change to survive. And he argued in support of effort to raise teacher salaries. "They deserve $40 to $50 a year, with benefits and retirement," Lorenz said.

California Montessori educators will have an opportunity to hear a debate on the topic from 1-3 p.m., April 21 at North Shoreview Montessori School, 1301 Cypress Av. in San Mateo.