If you had the opportunity to make an investment that would yield $9 for every $1 you put in, you’d take it. Sure, you would ask questions. But once you found out it was sound, you’d be in. Yes, you would want to know that research overwhelmingly shows that you will earn the projected return. But after examining every possible study on the proposed investment and seeing that even the skeptics conclude that the benefits are undeniable, you’d want to take the chance and move forward. The decision would surely be clinched when you noted that in the worst possible scenario, you’d only end up making $2.62 for every dollar invested.

The scenario above would certainly appease even the most conservative investor. As taxpayers, we are investors and our expectation is that state government will put our money into programs that are proven to work. We want results, not waste.

That’s why it is surprising to see some legislators expressing a desire to cut funding to Tennessee’s voluntary pre-kindergarten program this year.

The fact is Pre-K yields just the results discussed in the opening scenario. Study after study shows the program yields tremendous economic benefits. Not a single study has shown significant, negative results. And, Tennessee’s Pre-K program is among the most highly-rated in the country.

So, shouldn’t we maintain our investment in the 934 Pre-K classrooms currently funded across the state?

Yes. We absolutely should.

Especially when you take the calculation beyond the raw economic benefits. Sure, Pre-K will save the state money in terms of reduced special education referrals, reduced incidents of juvenile crime, and increased literacy and graduation rates. But the benefits don’t stop there.

Think about what it is like to be a kindergarten teacher. On your first day, half of your students simply aren’t ready. They don’t know their letters or numbers. They haven’t been taught their colors. Trouble is the other kids are ready. So, you’re faced with a choice. Leave half of the class behind, letting them struggle through and hoping they eventually “get it.” Or, spend time working with the kids who need extra help, and let the half of the class that is ready suffer through boredom and become discouraged about school.

This is the reality in classrooms across Tennessee. I know because I’ve visited a number of schools in communities across the state. Principal after principal has told me they support Pre-K. Teachers in grades K-5 have nothing but praise for the potential benefits of Pre-K.

Meanwhile, at the General Assembly, some legislators still aren’t sure they want to continue funding the program. Even though the total cost is less than two percent of the entire education budget.

Some will say the economy makes the budget especially challenging this year. That’s true. But when times are tight, that’s when you are most careful, and only invest in what’s working. Like Pre-K.

Others may suggest that Pre-K’s benefits are unproven in Tennessee. The fact is our program has been rated as among the nation’s best by the National Institute for Early Education Research. And two preliminary studies of Tennessee’s very new program showed positive results.

The program is so popular that 94 counties have at least one Pre-K classroom. Cutting funding for the program will pass the expense on to local governments, possibly resulting in a property tax increase to maintain current levels of service. Or even worse, telling some families that there will be no Pre-K in 2009-2010.

So, we should ask all legislators to support Pre-K and maintain its funding. The benefits to our children, our communities, and our state are too great to take a pass on this investment opportunity.

Andy Spears is the Director of Policy and Outreach at Stand for Children, a non-profit organization committed to improving children’s lives by improving Tennessee’s schools. The organization has Chapters in Memphis, Nashville, Knoxville, Chattanooga, Murfreesboro, and Sumner County. Spears holds a Ph.D. in Public Policy from Tennessee State University.