Early Stories likes nothing better than coming across good journalism about pre-kindergarten. It's fascinating to read about the struggles many states are having over how -- and if -- to fund early childhood education. It's even better when the stories go beyond rhetoric and politics at a time when state governments are strapped for cash. The best stories help the public understand what quality pre-kindergarten can do, and are supported by research and clear examples.

Few stories manage to do that, however. For example, a story in the Bismarck Tribune included an unexplained quote from a state representative who was arguing against the inclusion in a $110 million education bill of a $1.5 million grant to allow school districts to implement pre-kindergarten.

"I just don't think its right for government to be taking kids away from home at the age of 4," said Rep. Bette Grande, R-Fargo.

And exactly what language in the bill described how the government would accomplish that?

The Fargo Forum also quoted Grande as follows: “Pre-K is another chance for government to reach into the families,” taking children away from their homes at the age of 4.'' Again, no explanation.

So what exactly did she mean by that?

Granted, Grande isn't the most progressive of legislators. She introduced legislation that would require any abortion provider to offer a woman a look at an ultrasound picture of her fetus at least 24 hours before she gets an abortion. She also pushed a bill that would have allowed students to drop classes and demand tuition refunds if they claimed they couldn't understand their instructor.

That doesn't mean she shouldn't be asked to explain.

There are numerous resources available for journalists that describe how and why pre-kindergarten can make a difference in the lives of children. They can compare what is happening in the state they are covering with others.

The old argument about government taking away children -- even if it is a deeply ingrained belief -- must be explained, not just reported.