This article describes kindergarten from the perspective of the whole child. Specifically, it reviews current research on best practices to improve children's math and language arts competencies, memory skills, and the role of kindergarten in beginning science. It also describes the social experiences children have in kindergarten with respect to…

This research review summarizes the current research literature regarding Gesell screening. It also explores the controversy over whether developmentally unready children should be held out of kindergarten, retained at the end of the kindergarten year, or placed in pre-kindergarten or pre-first grade classes. A seven-page bibliography on…

This brief report applies research on self-determination to suggestions for helping students with disabilities make a successful transition from school to adult life. First, it defines the concept of self-determination and considers how self-determination is learned. It summarizes research supporting the view that self-determination in high school…

Recent statements by educators and child development specialists support the contention that a child's developmental maturity is the key predictor of success in school. Possible modifications of student placement policies are considered, including establishment of transitional programs for kindergarten graduates not fully ready for first grade.…

The five chapters of this monograph review the literature and propose best practices for the successful transition of youth with disabilities from school to adult life in the community. The opening chapter, "Transition from School to Integrated Communities" (Janis Chadsey-Rusch and others), offers a review of the research on outcomes attained by…

The renaming of vocational education (VE) as career and technical education (CTE) has been motivated partly by the need to address VE's image. However, name changes go beyond concern for image. Today's CTE offers broader career pathways than did previous VE programs. After a decade of academic-vocational integration and tech prep, it is recognized…

Information in this guide is based on published research concerning effective strategies in dealing with at-risk youth. It was written for those communities invited to develop proposals under the Annie E. Casey Foundation's New Futures Initiative in an attempt to alleviate problems that compromise American children's futures. Each of three…

Despite the fact that a majority of urban educators remain optimistic about the future of city schools, urban high schools face significant challenges. Many recent developments in high school reform have important implications for career and technical education (CTE) programs in urban high schools. Publications on reforming secondary education…