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 National Education Association prepared this booklet on school entrance age because the association feels that the issue of a national cutoff date for entrance to kindergarten is perhaps the least controversial, most popular, and easiest educational reform issue to promote. The first part of the booklet: (1) provides information that supports…

The fundamental task in revitalizing public education and in fostering teacher professionalism means modifying the basic mandate. Trends in preschool and adult education suggest a need to extend the traditional age range downwards as well as upwards, thus lessening worry about teacher lay-off, half-empty school buildings, and school closures. (BRR)

Addresses issues in the organization and delivery of preprimary instruction: attendance, the basis for program entry, and the effects of alternative curricula and length of school day on student achievement. Limitations of existing studies are described, and the problem of the increasingly academic nature of preprimary curricula is discussed. (RH)

This paper traces the interface between preschool and elementary school as reflected by public funding during the first 200 years of American education. The paper also covers reasons for changes in entrance age and in funding and indicates the relevance of these changes for current issues in early childhood education. Sections address: (1) the…