There is growing evidence that school starting age impacts children's likelihood of receiving special education services, but less is known about variations in this effect. Using a regression discontinuity design, I found that the youngest students in a kindergarten cohort are 40% more likely (p < 0.001) to be placed in special education than…

This phenomenological research study examined the perspectives of parents and caregivers of persons with low-incidence exceptionalities through the use of semi-structured interviews. The purpose of the study was to determine what, if any, barriers they face in providing the best life possible for their children. All of the adult children in…

To adapt to the advances of the era, the economic, technological, social and cultural competition continues growing rapidly between the world countries. The main way to adapt this competition is to improve the quality of human edification, in the other words to change education system. As one of the developing Asian countries in the world, Turkey…

Apart from one amalgamation there are as many grammar schools in England as when Labour took office in 1997. Selection at age 11 still influences English education and unless there are changes its effect is likely to increase. Legislation introduced in 1998 which could have ended selection had no effect. The pressure from the right-wing minority…

This paper provides a critical analysis of the impact of the "Presidential Decree 200" (1998) regarding the operation of kindergartens in Greece, on children's enjoyment of their rights. It appears that the "Decree" does not respect, protect or fulfil the participation rights of the child whereas it respects, protects and…

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)

This article analyzes why schools fail to provide for early admission of intellectually advanced children. Reasons cited include misinterpretation of research findings, bias of school personnel, expense of screening, convenience of administering a uniform entrance age procedure, etc. Benefits accruing from early admission are discussed. (JDD)

Examines school readiness practices, along with the conceptual problems with the ways that "readiness" and "at risk" are defined. Analyzes methodological problems, delayed school entrance, and focuses on studies that examined future school retention rates, later use of special education services, and drop-out rates. Offers suggestions for best…

Reviews both the technical and policy aspects of readiness testing in local school districts. Summarizes policy context, motivations behind the tests, and consequences. Discusses the types of readiness tests and developmental screening measures misused as readiness tests, along with evidence of these measures' substantive and technical validity.…

This study examined effects of delayed school entry on later elementary school grade retention and special education service rates. Students (n=279) who delayed school entry were most often male and were placed in special education programs in significantly higher proportions than nondelayed-entry students. No significant effect of delayed entry…

Describes inadequacies of three policies intended to enhance child readiness for education: raising the age of school entry, retaining students in kindergarten, and extra-year programs. Argues that they are inconsistent with educational research and potentially harmful. Suggests the use of curriculum-based performance tests to help teachers and…

Presents overview of a position statement from the National Association of Early Childhood Specialists in State Departments of Education endorsed by the NAEYC Governing Board regarding entry and placement in kindergarten. Identifies questionable educational practices resulting from trend toward demanding more of kindergarten children. Lists…

Recent statements by educators and child development specialists support the contention that a child's developmental maturity is the key predictor of success in school. Possible modifications of student placement policies are considered, including establishment of transitional programs for kindergarten graduates not fully ready for first grade.…

In a question-and-answer format, John Goodlad explains findings of his recent study ("A Place Called School") of 38 schools, including reasons why classroom tone is often emotionally flat and steps that might improve educational quality. Tracking, use of instructional time, and ages for entering and leaving school are also discussed. (PP)

The use of readiness assessment rather than chronological age for admission to kindergarten is proposed. The article examines why this approach is needed, how it might be accomplished, and the relative advantages of admitting by readiness assessment compared to chronological age. (JDD)