The Impact of the Montessori Early Childhood Model in PK4 and Kindergarten

• In Event: Montessori Environments and Their Impact

Abstract

Montessori preschool instruction in public schools is now widespread throughout the United States, with over 560 public Montessori schools. However, until now there has never been a rigorous national study of Montessori preschool education. This study follows over 3 years children whose families applied to public Montessori programs across the United States via a lottery, comparing cognitive and socio-emotional outcomes of the students who were admitted with those wait listed. Using both intent-to-treat and instrumental variable models, we will share impact estimates of Montessori preschool on children's skills and approaches to learning at the end of PK4 and kindergarten. The paper will also present relationships between particular classroom practices and fidelity of Montessori implementation, and student outcomes.

Authors

• Angeline S. Lillard, University of Virginia

• Mark Lachowicz, American Institutes for Research

• Juliette Berg, American Institutes for Research

• Karen Manship, American Institutes for Research

• Emily Daggett, University of Virginia

• David Loeb, University of Pennsylvania