Understanding the condition of children as they enter school can provide clues to help parents and teachers understand children's performance later in their school career. This information can also provide teachers with essential guidance for individualizing the curriculum to help children learn more effectively. Finally, assessment of the…

Many Americans assume children's publicly funded education begins with kindergarten. To the contrary, kindergarten is not mandated in all states. Moreover, most kindergarten programs implemented in the public education system are half-day; full-day kindergarten is far less frequent. Access to kindergarten is highly dependent on state, school…

The claim that the incidence of school failure can be greatly reduced by increasing kindergarten entrance age from 57 to 60 months was investigated in three related studies. In the first study, subjects ranging in school entrance age from 57 to 68 months were drawn from five elementary schools in an urban lower socioeconomic area. A total of 114…

Committees discussed six educational program options for 4- and 5-year-old children, in terms of curriculum, staff and licensure, cost and school facilities, coordination with existing resources, public opinion, and school-age day care. The curriculum committee developed a set of goals, outlined a program design, and considered the possible…

Noting that the persistence of unacceptable trends in kindergarten entry and placement practices narrows the curriculum in kindergarten and primary education, constricts equal educational opportunity, and curtails the exercise of professional responsibilities of early childhood educators, this position statement of the National Association of…

The academic and emotional needs of students who enter college early are discussed, based on studies done of students at Simon's Rock College. The concept of early college admission is defended on the grounds that some students are emotionally and academically ready for college after only two years of high school. (JSR)

A follow-up study of 16 women who entered a residential early college entrance program at ages 13-17 found that almost all found early college entrance a valuable and stimulating academic experience but also described considerable emotional distress during their college years. Over half of the respondents had left the program before graduation.…

Clarifies details of research design and procedures in response to critiques of six longitudinal comparative studies from the Early Intervention Research Institute. The institute's investigations examined the effects and costs of early intervention for children with disabilities. (BB)

Noting that the latest messages communicated to the public about the learning problems of American children emphasize children's lack of social maturity and premature school entry, this book examines the many complex issues surrounding school readiness and entry. The 15 chapters are divided into 4 sections. The first section includes an…

This report reviews the history of kindergartens in America and in the state of Wyoming, and examines current trends and future directions of kindergarten programs. Wyoming's first kindergarten was established in Sundance in 1891-92. The University of Wyoming began offering courses in kindergarten theory by the mid 1940s, and the kindergarten…

This review of research, part of the Illinois State Board of Education's Early Childhood Education Policy Study, focuses on issues related to potential state funding for full-day kindergarten and changes in the age at which children enter kindergarten. Specifically addressed are the following issues: (1) a review of the legislative background on…

The purpose of this report, one of several prepared for a comprehensive study of early childhood education in Illinois, was to collect, compile, and analyze specific data concerning early childhood education policy and practices from all fifty states. Each state was queried regarding the following: (1) compulsory attendance age, (2) mandated…

Based on the view that because kindergarten is caught between early childhood education and compulsory public education, the year is often overlooked as an important time for learning. This paper aims to mobilize interest in kindergarten as an educational issue ripe for research, debate, and policy action. The paper begins by briefly reviewing…

Compares case studies of early childhood education in schools in Germany and Ireland. Both schools emphasize the importance of children's emotional-spiritual development, but while Irish children are already in formal education, German schooling defers beginning of formal learning. Concludes that more teacher interaction with children in German…

Interviewed teachers and parents concerning newly developed school services for 6-year olds in Stockholm, Sweden, where the traditional age for starting school will change from 7 to a flexible 6 or 7 in 1997. Results from ratings done by teachers indicate that the new services have had a positive influence on the children's adjustment and peer…