COLUMBIA, S.C. — Despite the lack of proof that pre-school programs like Head Start really make a long term difference, a judge ruled the STATE'S system of funding poor schools unconstitutional Thursday, saying it fails to provide adequate education by not offering early childhood programs.

Circuit Judge Thomas W. Cooper said the state's previous spending to improve achievement in poor schools failed because those efforts did not address the early impact of poverty on children's lives.

Read: Judge: S.C. fails to fund poor schools - Boston.com

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