Discusses implications of the possibility that the state of New York will recommend that compulsory education for children begin at age four and that one year be taken off the top year of high school. Ways early childhood professionals might respond to the issue are indicated. (RH)

The author refutes the findings of a study (EC 124 401) indicating a birthdate effect on readiness level and suggests that school psychologists and others should stop blaming chronological age for reading failure. (CL)

Summarizes recent ERIC (Educational Resources Information Center) documents and journal articles that discuss issues related to children's age at entry into school. Includes details about ERIC and ordering ERIC documents. (EV)

Presents rates at which first-time students enroll in different types of institutions by age, family income, and dependency status. Also provides students' reasons for enrolling in less-than-4-year institutions. (Author)

In the past, there were no four-year-olds to be found in infant or primary schools. The statutory school age of five had been established in 1870, after a hurried and confused debate in the House of Commons; one hundred years later, it was a regulation still honoured in practice. Throughout the 1960s and 70s, children started school in the term…

Studied effects of beginning school age and gender on later school achievement and retention in grade (N=117). No significant differences among the three age groups were found at kindergarten, second, or fourth grade. Differences in achievement between boys and girls were noted. (BH)

Contends that arguments for raising the age of entry to school in Australia are not supported by the research evidence and are contrary to trends overseas, where the movement is towards extending early childhood programs rather than raising the age of entry to school. (Author/MP)

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)

Examines whether there is a significant difference between the achievement test scores of students who entered first grade as five year olds and those who entered as six year olds. Subjects were selected from Grades 1, 4, and 8. (MP)

Estimations of enrollment age and schooling duration for Tanzanian children revealed different patterns for boys and girls. Although girls have lower levels of education, they enroll earlier, either because of lower returns to preschool experience for girls or parental desire to prepare them for the marriage market as soon as possible. (SK)

Addresses the origins of the American school readiness myth, arguing that Americans are far too preoccupied with readiness. Concludes that early childhood professionals need to address and demystify this myth by defining early childhood education in the content-oriented context of what young children should know and be able to do. (SD)

The appropriate age for students to begin school is an issue of debate for educators, administrators, and parents. Parents worry that young children may not be able to compete with older classmates; schools worry that young students will not be able to meet rigorous academic standards associated with school accountability. Past literature is…

All children should be started in school, and subsequently promoted, on basis of their behavior age rather than on basis of their age in years. Research data support this idea, and some schools that have adopted it as policy find that they can reduce failure by 50 percent. A child's school readiness can be tested with a behavior examination. (KH)

The study reports on a group of 25 educationally accelerated entrants to Johns Hopkins University. Findings support the ability of students who enter a highly selective college two to five years early to make good grades, win honors, and graduate promptly. (Author/CL)

Presents findings on academic success of early entrants to school that show children younger at school entrance often have academic problems that last throughout their school careers. Suggests changing the cutoff dates for school entrance and using better developmental assessment to determine children's readiness to enter school. (MD)