This document summarizes presentations made at a national policy forum concerning children's transition from home and preschool to the first years of elementary school. Opening remarks from representatives of the sponsoring agencies reviewed Goal One of the National Education Goals, which states that by the year 2000 all children in the United…

In recent years, there have been calls in many countries to ensure that children come to school "ready to learn." This paper is the first in a series that explored what is meant by this term by different groups of people and the ways in which the beliefs underpinning such a term influence decisions such as when children start school, the…

This "Indicator of the Month" from the National Center for Educational Statistics presents data on American children's participation in preprimary education. In addition to data tables, key findings are summarized: (1) preprimary enrollment rates for 3-, 4-, and 5-year-olds were higher in 1996 than in 1991--in 1996, 37 percent of 3-year-olds, 58…

At their summit meeting in February, 1990, the President of the United States and the National Governors' Association established the national education goal that "all children will start school ready to learn" by the year 2000. The process of reaching this goal will require a twofold strategy. First, families will need help in their…

A study was conducted to determine whether or not a child who is older when entering school performs better on reading readiness and achievement tests than a younger child. Two samples of second grade students from a middle class community in Bloomfield, New Jersey, were established by examining the ages of all the children in the cohort. Sample A…

The purpose of this study was to systematically examine the cognitive and social effects of the use of microcomputers with kindergarten children in the school and at home. Three schools received microcomputers for use in kindergarten classrooms and each student in one of the classrooms was provided a PCjr and educational software to use at home.…

The selection, administration and results of a statewide school readiness test in South Carolina are described in this report. As one component of South Carolina's Basic Skills Assessment Program, the "Cognitive Skills Assessment Battery" (CSAB) was chosen to distinguish those children who are ready for the formal first grade curriculum…

A guide for administrators' use in determining Elementary Secondary Education Act Title I eligibility of students in their schools is divided into five sections. Section I describes four rules which must be followed in identifying Title I students, and which will be monitored during the year by consultants visiting the school. Section II suggests…

This brief report presents results of a statistical study comparing the effectiveness of full-day, alternate day kindergarten programs with the more traditional half-day, every day programs. An introduction to the data tables traces the development of kindergartens in the U. S. and Minnesota, in particular. Data were collected on 787 kindergarten…

In response to the pressing needs to develop a culture-fair, nonverbal readiness test for rural and urban disadvantaged preschool children, a special project was undertaken. PREP kit no. 22 was adapted from the final report of a project conducted by Dr. Wanda Walker, Northwest Missouri State College, Maryville, and supported by the Office of…

The primary purpose of this study was to test the implication that perceptual-motor development training will increase school readiness at the kindergarten level. Sixty kindergarten children were randomly assigned to experimental and control groups and administered the following pretests: Stanford Early School Achievement Test, Boehm Test of Basic…

Written as a guide for parents of preschool visually handicapped children, the booklet provides background information and some basic facts thought to be necessary to help the child grow into a happy, well-rounded and successful adult. Guidelines are presented concerning the following: the need for positive parental attitudes toward the young…

Investigates the validity of Hayes Early Identification Listening Response Test in relation to lower grade school achievement. (Author/DEP)

Investigated whether teachers, mothers, and fathers believe that parents could do more to prepare children for kindergarten. Considers what parents have done and should do to prepare children. Findings suggest that teachers are more likely than parents to believe parents need to do more. (SKC)

Parents may better prepare their children to enter school by making sure that daily activities and household routines serve educational ends: learning scientific concepts through helping in the kitchen; being encouraged to read by having access to a variety of books. Specific activities are described. (JL)