This brief examines the complex interplay of family, school, and place factors in the reading achievement levels of third grade students. Third grade reading achievement is critical to later academic and occupational success. Using data from the Early Childhood Longitudinal Study, the authors report that suburban children realize greater gains in…

Among 11,442 Thai third graders, those who had attended preprimary schools had significantly higher achievement scores than children of similar SES, age, and sex without preprimary experience. In rural provinces, the effect of preprimary experience on language achievement was greater for high-SES than low-SES students. (SV)

The extent of any relationship of problem solving in mathematics to reading was investigated. A review of similar research studies indicated a need for further research because of the lack of agreement among authorities concerning this relationship. Two contrasting populations of third-grade students were selected for the study. One group was from…

Compares school, classroom, and student level data for matched pairs of high- and low-achieving rural schools and matched pairs of urban schools. Finds that organizational and interpersonal processes sustaining effective schools vary by rural/urban context. Includes three longitudinal case studies of rural schools. Contains 26 references. (SV)