This study evaluated the effect a developmentally appropriate curriculum, implemented as part of a Head Start Transition Project for public kindergarten through third grade to maintain and enhance the benefits attained by Head Start children and their families. Participating were two cohorts of students in demonstration and comparison classrooms…

This policy brief shows that, while New Jersey has made a substantial investment in state-supported preschool programs, the link between preschool and elementary education needs to be strengthened. By adopting a broader view of early learning that aligns quality preschool with the early elementary years, policy leaders will reap a better return on…

The purpose of this study was to compare the reading achievement of third graders who had attended kindergarten for one year with that of third graders who had been given two years of kindergarten. A review of the literature revealed that the majority of studies in this area showed that the practice of retaining students did not serve the intended…

Project Head Start has recently expanded into elementary schools through the National Head Start/Public School Transition Project (NTP), a school-based intervention program designed to improve outcomes for at-risk students. The SDTP (South Dakota site of NTP) is attempting to improve life chances for children by improving home and school…

Reviews research concerning the effects of retention of kindergarten and first grade students and alternatives to such retention. (BB)