This report describes findings on the quality of the More at Four Program and the outcomes for children during pre-k from two program years: 2003-2004 (year 3) and 2005-2006 (year 5). Separate results for the 2005-2006 cohort are presented to provide a picture of the program in its most recent year of operation as well as results from the 2…

This report provides information that pertains to the goal of having all children ready for the first grade. Particular attention is given to state-funded educational programs for 3-, 4-, and 5-year-olds in the 15 Southern Regional Education Board (SREB) states. Initial discussion states the goal and defines readiness for school. Discussion then…

This paper examines three inter-related issues: whether past levels of resources, context and opportunity structures carry long-term consequences for subsequent child attainments and behaviours; whether shocks, or transition events, alter the path of these outcomes in a positive or negative fashion; and what role can be played by policy…

Effective teaching leads to positive student outcomes, and professional development for early childhood teachers is key to improving both. But what exactly is meant by "professional development"? What effect does it have on school readiness? Which models and approaches really work? This is the book the early childhood field needs to take the…

This study sought to determine the effect of developmental preschool on school readiness and kindergarten achievement for at-risk children. The study involved 40 preschool-age and 40 kindergarten-age children. These children were divided into two experimental groups and two control groups for the purpose of comparing standardized test scores. The…

Reviews research on the academic performance of early entrants, noting that damaging consequences for children who are not developmentally mature may continue throughout their school careers. Suggests possible ways to reduce the magnitude of the "unready" child's problem. (KS)

One of the objectives of the U.S. Department of Education's National Goals for Education is that "Children will receive the nutrition and health care needed to arrive at school with healthy minds and bodies, and the number of low birthweight babies will be significantly reduced through enhanced prenatal health systems." This paper…

The purpose of this study was to determine whether children living in North Carolina who attended child care centers that participated in many Smart Start quality improvement efforts have better skills when they enter kindergarten than do a comparison group of children from other child care centers of family child care homes. Subjects were 214…

Examined effects of zero, one, or two years of preschool education on outcomes of inner-city black children from low-income families through grade six. Found that although two-year participants began and ended kindergarten more academically competent than 1-year participants, through the elementary grades, the two groups did not significantly…

In 1970 the Los Angeles Superior Court ruled that the Los Angeles (California) Unified School District (LAUSD) operated segregated schools and it rendered the original order to integrate the district's schools. The School Readiness Language Development Program (SRDLP) is one of several programs developed in response to the original court order.…

Much has been written lately that asks the question--are young people across this country ready for college? The Forum for Youth Investment, Connect for Kids, Voices for America's Children and many state Kids Count organizations have developed this series for state advocates to share the vision, messages and state policies being proposed to…

This publication of the Department of Defense Dependents Schools (DoDDS) 1994 report on the National Education Goals marks the fourth year of DoDDS' participation in the national-goals effort. In spring 1990, the DoDDS adopted the national goals and developed 20 specific implementation targets to measure progress toward achievement of the goals.…

This follow-up study examined the outcomes of children who had participated in the Michigan School Readiness Program (MSRP), a preschool program for 4-year-olds identified as being at risk for school failure, up to 5 years following their participation in the program. For the evaluation, 338 children who had participated in the state-funded…

Encouraged by evidence linking quality early care/education programs and improved student outcomes, a variety of school readiness programs and initiatives have been created. This report reviews and synthesizes evaluation studies conducted on early childhood interventions, focusing on programs emphasizing a school readiness goal. The report…

Based on the view that the single most important goal of Head Start reauthorization legislation should be to improve Head Start and other preschool programs to better ensure that participating children are prepared to succeed in school, this paper describes the limited educational progress for children in Head Start and problems resulting from a…