An electronic decision making process was studied as an approach to an educational problem. Data suggested that students beginning kindergarten in large southern urban areas were not prepared cognitively or socially for a successful school experience. Twenty experts in early childhood education were invited to attend one of two sessions in a…

Does an increase in a welfare mother's education improve her young child's academic performance or behavior? Positive correlations between mothers' educational attainment and children's well being, particularly children's cognitive development and academic outcomes, are among the most replicated results from developmental studies. Yet,…

Arkansas has made important commitments to enhance the quality of and access to early education opportunities for young children, particularly those from disadvantaged families. These commitments are valuable, but they do not yet ensure that all children have access to pre-k programs. At issue is whether it makes economic sense to expand…

Research on early childhood education, child development, and school readiness is used to support the argument that formal schooling for children under 8 or 10 years old is less desirable than home-based instruction. Research on neurophysiology, social-emotional development, cognitive development, school entrance age, parental potential, and other…

Structural equation models reanalyzed data from the 1969 Westinghouse Head Start evaluation and extended the analysis to blacks and full-year programs. Results showed that the selection bias for summer program whites was absent for blacks and full-year program whites, and that Head Start helped the most disadvantaged children. (SLD)

Examined the nature and stability of teacher ratings of early learning-related social skills in 72 preschoolers (3 to 4 years old) and again 1 year later. Confirmatory factor analysis using structural equation modeling revealed that a construct labeled "learning-related social skills," tapping self-control, cooperation, assertion, and…

Notes that the practice of delaying school entrance for summer-born children, especially boys, to give them some academic advantage, is not substantiated by sufficient research. Describes a subsequent study indicating higher achievement for children held-out than those entering school on time. Argues for more research and consideration of the…

Examined cognitive competencies and motivation in economically advantaged and disadvantaged preschoolers and kindergartners over a two-year period. Found that disadvantaged children had poorer cognitive scores than advantaged children. Cognitive gains were equal after one or two years in school, with socioeconomic status (SES) differences…

Argues that the best alternative to assigning children to grades on the basis of birth date alone is to implement a child-centered and process-oriented curriculum for younger children and push back the academic curriculum to the upper grades. Suggests this allows children to develop at their own pace. (RS)

Discusses background information, research, and educational implications related to kindergarten readiness. Topics that receive particular attention are testing, placement, and curricular practices and age of entry into school. (BB)

Reviews research on young children's transition to kindergarten. Looks at three factors that affect early school adjustment: (1) children's skills and school-related experiences, including social skills, play behavior, and prior experience with peers; (2) parental influences, such as expectations and parent-child interactions; and (3) classroom…

This article describes an intraschool consultation model for meeting the transition needs of elementary school special education students moving on to secondary school. Model components include providing staff with a communication vehicle and implementing pretransition programs. A checklist of modified methods of instruction and evaluation that…

Assessed correlations between 415 first graders' scores on the Metropolitan Readiness Test (MRT), and their scores on standardized achievement tests in mathematics and reading in grades 3, 6, 9, and 10. Concluded that the MRT has potential for contributing to readiness decisions in early grades. (MM)

Used longitudinal data collected from parents, teachers, and children to test social psychological predictors of early school adjustment of 1,255 low-income children from kindergarten to fourth grade. Found that parent involvement was positively related to achievement and teacher ratings of school progress. (MM)

Surveys 58 families in Japan and 67 in the United States with children aged 4 to 6 years (with followup at age 12 years). Demonstrates different preparation for schooling in the two cultures. Japanese mothers emphasize developing adaptive dispositions; U.S. mothers try to make the learning environment more attractive. (SLD)