Assessed the reading and mathematics abilities of kindergartners and first graders in the fall and spring of the school year. Found that younger first graders made as much progress over the year as older first graders and more than older kindergartners. Findings demonstrated that entrance age was not a good predictor of learning or academic risk.…

Presents overview of a position statement from the National Association of Early Childhood Specialists in State Departments of Education endorsed by the NAEYC Governing Board regarding entry and placement in kindergarten. Identifies questionable educational practices resulting from trend toward demanding more of kindergarten children. Lists…

Describes an empirical study that examined the impact of being carried on a parent's back on a child's visual integration pathways. Draws on a previous study (Pretorius et al.) postulating that this cultural behavior could have a negative impact as it prevents the child from crawling adequately or enough during the sensorimotor stage. (Author)

Origins of the criterion of the next environment (CNE) are examined for its continuing applicability to mainstreaming and integration of young disabled children, in light of changes in kindergarten classrooms, commitment to integrated education for all students with disabilities, collaborative partnerships, and instructional support services.…

The effectiveness of a home-based enrichment program was assessed using 30 matched pairs of experimental and control group 5-year-olds from poor black South African families. The enrichment provided experimental families with educational materials thought suitable for the promotion of school readiness. Although results indicated some positive…

Examined the effects of attendance at a large-scale public school preschool program on children's school-related skills and the relationship of elements of program quality to the program's efficacy. Found that the program provided developmentally appropriate experiences for disadvantaged young children that contributed to increased skills in first…

The University of Hawaii Department of Special Education conducted the Preschool Preparation and Transition Project, a federally funded demonstration program, to support families and their children with special needs in the transition from infant programs to least restrictive preschool placements. The program addressed this goal through three…

Reviews three special interest publications: (1) "Learning Readiness: Promising Strategies," a directory of model programs addressing social problems that impede learning; (2) "Standards for Quality School-Age Child Care," about quality standards for before- and after-school child care programs; and (3) "Hostile Hallways: The AAUW Survey on Sexual…

Describes a study undertaken to increase the effectiveness of student-placement systems in community colleges. Found that the use of student characteristics, such as gender, ethnicity, prior exposure to course work, and enrollment in a study-skills course, was more useful than the SAT, ACT, and College Placement Test in predicting student…

Offers a perspective, grounded in theory and practice, on issues of readiness and education during the preschool and kindergarten years. Stresses the role of adult involvement in children's learning, and emphasizes preschool as an essential time for building cognitive skills. Illustrates with images drawn from practice in Korean early-childhood…

America must focus on educating its population according to its own "whole-child" standards and prioritize education funding. The "American Way" involves watching TV, participating in organized sports, and allowing teens to work. It would be hard to make necessary social concessions to meet higher standards. (Contains 20…

Fifth- and sixth-grade aggressive and acting-out students from a Latino community were organized into two groups based on their classroom academic performance. Students who were rated as aggressive but were high on school learning reported more resiliency indicators than those low on school learning. Parental supervision was the key variable…

Describes the First Step to Success early prevention program for preventing development of antisocial behavior patterns among young, at-risk children. The program's three modular components are coordinated and delivered by a school psychologist who serves as a consultant to teachers and parents. Reviews the risk factors and family conditions…

The achievement gap between fortunate and less fortunate young children was the leading motivation for expanding and changing the kindergarten curriculum in Montgomery County (Maryland) Public Schools. The more rigorous, new curriculum became accelerated and literacy-based, focusing on mathematics, reading, art, music, and physical education. (MLH)

This model for assessing the readiness for college of high school students with learning disabilities offers a life-span developmental perspective. It identifies life-event stressors, mediating variables (abilities and attitudes), the social-psychological adaptation process, and adaptive/maladaptive outcomes. (DB)