Development of a screening tool for detecting developmental disabilities and at-risk conditions in younger children is described. Data obtained from this tool are correlated with two other widely used screening instruments. Future research should continue to explore the interrelationship of items on screening instruments to obtain valid and…

Although the concept of learning readiness has been recognized for over a century, the term readiness did not appear until the 1920s. Readiness efforts must be considered in terms of their effect on the quality of life for young children, and continued evaluation of activities must take place in these terms. (JN)

Findings supported the theory that children born late in the year are significantly more likely to be referred for academic problems in the primary grades than are children born early in the year. (CL)

In Baton Rouge, Louisiana, teachers and parents use a kindergarten screening and academic readiness intervention program that nips potential learning problems in the bud. (Editor/SJL)

The responses of 322 beginning first graders to the six subtests of the Metropolitan Readiness Test were factor analyzed. A single General Readiness factor appeared to best describe the instrument. Implications for use of the Metropolitan Readiness Test are briefly discussed. (Author)

Questions are raised regarding the appropriateness of testing children for school readiness from both a conceptual standpoint and in terms of the negative reactions created in both children and parents. (JD)

Examines whether retention continues to be embraced by North Carolina teachers. Surveys (1) how many children were promoted but considered (by teachers) not ready for promotion; and (2) reasons given for retention and/or lack of readiness for first grade. Notes that as many children were retained as were deemed not ready for first grade but were…

Research suggests that delayed entry into kindergarten has a better chance than kindergarten retention of helping at-risk children avoid school failure. Educators are cautioned to take into account the interactions among race and ethnicity, gender, socioeconomic status, and age. Some researchers view full-day kindergarten as one way of providing…

We need to develop better forms of school readiness assessment that do not encourage tracking, narrowing the curriculum, or kindergarten retention. This article describes three examples of work-in-progress from the state of Georgia, a test publisher (CTB Macmillan/McGraw-Hill), and a research scientist, Samuel Meisels. Includes seven references.…

Data from 102 of 108 local education authorities in England showed a trend toward earlier admission to school (age 4). Provision of appropriate conditions for four-year olds had been a low priority in many districts. Factors influencing the trend included government policy, funding changes, and lack of high-quality preschool facilities. (SK)

In "Ready to Learn: A Mandate for the Nation," Ernest L. Boyer examines the challenges posed by the school readiness national goal. The seven-step strategy for achieving this goal includes a healthy start, empowered parents, quality preschool experience, a responsive workplace, television as teacher, neighborhoods for learning, and…

Summarizes main discussion topics at the recent annual meeting of the National Association of Elementary School Principals held in New Orleans. Participants discussed school readiness, parenthood education, minority achievement, whole-language instruction, and multiculturalism. The Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development's New…

Describes a study to determine a nongraded, continuous-progress program's effects on five- and six-year-old students' attitudes toward school, readiness scores, and mastery of subject matter. Results found no statistically significant difference in readiness scores between kindergarten students in traditional classes and those in nongraded…

Outlines the eight National Education Goals of the Goals 2000 Educate America Act and activities designed to help meet them, such as the Public Broadcasting Service's "Ready to Learn" outreach program; the America 2000 Coalition's interactive computer network; the United Way's Mobilization for America's Children initiative; and the U.S.…

Despite teacher layoffs and program eliminations across United States, extra-year programs before kindergarten or between kindergarten and first grade are booming. Such developmental retentions are costly and could lead to higher incidence of dropping out. Schools should be ready for each child. Early-grade teachers and principals must reject…