The six subtests comprising the Metropolitan Readiness Tests were factor analyzed separately for White females, White males, Black females, and Black males. A single factor best described the structure of the test for each group. The factor structure was essentially invariant with regard to race and sex variables. (Author/CTM)

This study examined how a group of kindergartners anticipated and actually experienced school. Interviewed in July, before starting kindergarten, then again in April, the children were asked to describe their own and the teacher's role, activities they engaged in, and what rules or constraints on child behavior existed. (Author/SJL)

Describes a preventive program designed to pre-empt learning difficulties and to ensure each youngster a successful start in school. Discusses the high school drop-out and the underachiever as potential juvenile delinquents. (CM)

Predictive validity of a school readiness test (Preschool Screening System (PSS)) was investigated through a teacher rating scale (Rhode Island Pupil Identification Scale) to six groups of kindergarten children of both sexes (N=245). The most powerful predictor in every group was the "Information Processing" score of the PSS. (Author)

Placing children by developmental level can result in more effective teaching and learning--and happier students. (Editor/RK)

Describes the concept of school readiness and considers the purpose, content, and process of assessing children's school readiness. Notes that early childhood assessment is undertaken for numerous purposes but that these purposes are not always clear. Delineates different purposes for collecting data and discusses critical principles that could…

Examined the incidence of delayed kindergarten entry in a suburban school district over a 12-year period. Results indicated that there had been a significant increase in the number of children who had delayed school entry. Significantly more males than females delayed kindergarten entry, and the majority of children delaying school entry had…

Argues that for early intervention programs to become part of national, state, and community efforts to assist families in early education, they must represent the cooperation and joint planning of constituencies involved, including the research, policy, consumer, and practice communities. Describes an early education demonstration program that is…

Although implementing the school readiness goal is clearly a shared responsibility of parents, schools, and community, activities beyond the schoolhouse must be matched by internal school efforts, including accessing knowledge and attitudes; evaluating existing strategies in training, screening, testing, service linkages, and classroom practices;…

Head Start caregivers' positive and neutral interactions with nonhandicapped, and mainstreamed handicapped, children were observed while the caregivers engaged in caregiving and instructional activities. Caregivers were found to have higher positive and neutral interaction rates and higher negative interaction rates, with handicapped than with…

Extra-year programs for children in kindergarten and first grade are not cost effective and have a tendency to keep children out of school. What does work is a developmentally appropriate curriculum for the primary grades that emphasizes integrated learning across the curriculum, small group instruction, and mixed-age grouping. (MLF)

Describes a framework supporting continuity in early childhood and in turn smoothing young children's transitions, including transition to elementary school. Model's elements are families as partners, shared leadership, comprehensive and responsive services, culture and home language, communication, knowledge and skill development, appropriate…

Used NICHD Early Child Care data to examine effects of attentional persistence on relationship of infant negative emotionality to age 3 outcomes. Found that high negative emotionality related to low social competence only when attentional persistence was poor. Found no moderating effects of attentional persistence for behavior problems. High…

Discusses impact of New South Wales (NSW) policy on early school admission for young gifted children. Surveys attitudes of NSW principals about the policy and impediments to its implementation. Identifies social and economic factors as of greater concern for principals than the child's academic adjustment. Suggests that more awareness is needed…

Defines skills important for kindergarten success in areas of health and physical well-being, social and emotional skills, intellectual skills and general knowledge, and language and speech development. Lists eight "red flags" to help identify children who may need specialized assistance. (DLH)