The Yellow Brick Road was administered to preschool children. Normative data were obtained via a principal-components analysis. Results indicated that all subscales tapped a common factor. The auditory subscale appeared to be the best overall predictor. More normative date are needed regarding this first-grade-readiness test. (Author)

Combined use of Koppitz' developmental and emotional scores did not improve the prediction of school readiness from children's human figure drawings when compared with each measure separately. Nonreadiness predictions yielded by the developmental score, emotional score, and their combination were not better than chance predictions. (Author/BEF)

The authors, while supporting the view expressed in EC 124 402 that decisions on school readiness should not be determined by birthdate, express concern over statistics used in the study. (CL)

Maintains that males and females have physiological and psychological differences which cause differences in perception and learning patterns, and that educational and curricular approaches should be geared to those differences. (CM)

Examines the relationship between proficiency in oral language and later school performance--particularly in reading, writing, speaking, and listening. Subjects were 74 five and six year olds enrolled in preschool programs in Texas. (MP)

A transitional "pre-first-grade" program (for kindergarten "graduates" judged unready for first grade) has been operating in the Irving (Texas) Independent School District since the early 1980s. This evaluation, comparing three sets of students (participating pre-first-grade students, nonparticipating refusers who entered first…

This paper explores the use of Rasch analysis and linear confirmatory factor analysis to investigate the dimensionality of an early childhood test, the Gesell School Readiness Screening Test (F. Ilg and others, 1978). Discusses empirical analyses of results from 523 kindergarten students using both methods. (SLD)

Standarized, multiple-choice tests have become the major criterion for a wide range of school decisions affecting student placement, curriculum format, and teaching style. Improved assessment will not reform education. The more insightful and powerful the assessment tool, the more damage is caused by its misuse. Includes 70 references. (MLH)

Examined concurrent validity of several new and revised conceptual language measures. Administered Bracken Basic Concept Scale (BBCS), Boehm Test of Basic Concepts-Preschool Version (Boehm-PV) or Boehm-Revised, Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test-Revised (PPVT-R) to 99 preschool children attending kindergarten screening. BBCS correlated significantly…

Data from this ethnographic study of kindergartens in three communities suggest that teachers, parents, and the school as an institution interacted to develop a social interpretation of school readiness. This interpretation framed children's kindergarten experience in each community. (BC)

Five special needs children were placed in an integrated preschool program as their first preschool/group care experience. A preentry visit was found to be predictive of the children's adjustment to preschool. Some of the children exhibited separation problems, aggression, self-stimulation, loud vocal behavior, and high rates of unoccupied…

This study explored the progress 1700 English children made between the beginning and end of their first year of school, the Reception year, which is optional for 4-year olds in England. Findings show that the Reception year has a major impact on literacy and numeracy, although progress varied considerably among schools. (SLD)

Examines school adjustment outcomes and emotional learning difficulties for students who participated in readiness kindergartens and pre-first classes. Significant differences were noted in retention rates, dropout rates, and special education placement rates. In spite of limitations of research, the practice of placing children in programs based…

The perspective of the National Dropout Prevention Center is that the accomplishment of Goal Two of the National Education Goals, a high school graduation rate of at least 90%, is inextricably linked to Goals One and Three, school readiness and the opportunity for all to use their minds well. Research priorities for meeting these goals are…

Describes the approach of the Sycamore Project, a residential child care project in Scotland, which assists difficult and damaged young people to remain in mainstream schooling. Discusses the six principles of the approach: mutual professional respect, clear philosophy, attention to detail, a culture which values education, joint planning, and…