Bibliography of Citations from the ERIC Database
ERIC database search through September 2002

School Readiness: Research

Journal Articles

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EJ645856 PS532955
Title: Change in Family Income-to-Needs Matters More for Children with Less.
Author(s) Dearing, Eric; McCartney, Kathleen; Taylor, Beck A.
Source: Child Development, v72 n6 p1779-93 Nov-Dec 2001
Publication Date: 2001
ISSN: 0009-3920
Language: English
Document Type:
Reports--Research (143)
Journal Announcement: CIJSEP2002

Examined associations between income-to-needs change and child outcomes at 36 months for NICHD Study of Early Child Care participants. Found that for children in poverty, income-to-needs decreases related to worse outcomes and increases related to better outcomes. When income-to-needs increases were at least one standard deviation above mean change for poor families, children displayed outcomes similar to non-poor peers. (Author/KB)

Descriptors: *School Readiness; *Social Behavior
Identifiers: NICHD Study of Early Child Care

EJ644644 CG558417
Title: Social Fathering in Low-Income, African American Families with Preschool Children.
Author(s) Jayakody, Rukmalie; Kalil, Ariel
Source: Journal of Marriage and Family, v64 n2 p504-16 May 2002
Publication Date: 2002
ISSN: 0022-2445
Language: English
Document Type:
Reports--Research (143)
Journal Announcement: CIJSEP2002

Examines factors associated with the presence of social fathers in the lives of preschoolers, using data from the Fulton County Descriptive Study. Results indicated that most children have a social father and association differs depending upon his relationship to the mother. A relationship with a social relative father was associated with higher levels of children's school readiness. (Author/JDM)

Descriptors: *School Readiness

EJ640276 UD523405
Title: Influence of Culture-Related Experiences and Sociodemographic Risk Factors on Cognitive Readiness among Preschoolers.
Author(s) Beasley, T. Mark
Source: Journal of Education for Students Placed at Risk, v7 n1 p3-23 2002
Publication Date: 2002
ISSN: 1082-4669
Document Type: Journal articles (080); Reports--Research (143)

Used data from the 1993 National Household Education Survey to analyze factors influencing cognitive readiness among 1,710 preschoolers. Results indicated that for high-risk children, culture-related activities were associated with higher cognitive development levels and lower variability in cognitive readiness. Parental involvement was more likely to enhance children's cognitive development when the activities consisted of culture-related experiences. (SM)

Descriptors: *Cognitive Development; *Cultural Influences; Early Childhood Education; *High Risk Students; Parent Participation; *Preschool Children; *School Readiness; *Socioeconomic Influences

EJ643698 PS532792
Title: The Relations of Early Television Viewing to School Readiness and Vocabulary of Children from Low-Income Families: The Early Window Project.
Author(s) Wright, John C.; Auston, Aletha C.; Murphy, Kimberlee C.; St. Peters,
Michelle; Pinon, Ronda Scantlin; Kotler, Jennifer
Source: Child Development, v72 n5 p1347-66 Sep-Oct 2001
Publication Date: 2001
ISSN: 0009-3920
Language: English
Document Type:
Reports--Research (143)
Journal Announcement: CIJAUG2002

Collected time-use diaries of television viewing from two cohorts of children (ages 2-5 and 4-7) from low-income families and gave annual tests of reading, math, receptive vocabulary, and school readiness. Found that viewing of child-audience informative programs between ages 2 and 3 predicted higher academic performance. Frequent viewers of general-audience programs performed more poorly than infrequent viewers. (Author/KB)

Descriptors: *School Readiness; *Television Viewing; *Vocabulary; Vocabulary Development

Presents the results of a meta-analysis of cross-time relations of academic/cognitive and social/behavioral readiness assessments from preschool to second grade that used 70 longitudinal studies. Discusses findings in terms of assessment and conceptualization of school readiness, the role of school and classroom experiences in individual differences in school outcomes, and the importance of a quantitative estimate of effect size for early education policy and practice. (SLD)

Descriptors: *School Readiness; School Readiness Tests

Uses data from focus groups with Latina and Alaska Native college students to examine how the quality of their public education affected their later college achievement. Students reported arriving at college unable to perform college work. They used college labs and developmental classes to enhance their skills. Students experienced bias, racism, and discrimination on college campuses. (SM)

Descriptors: *School Readiness

EJ627870 EA538385
Title: Why We Need Rigorous, Full-Day Kindergarten.
Author(s) Weast, Jerry D.
Source: Principal, v80 n5 p6-9 May 2001
Publication Date: 2001
ISSN: 0271-6062
Document Type: Journal articles (080); Reports--Descriptive (141); Reports--Evaluative (142)

The achievement gap between fortunate and less fortunate young children was the leading motivation for expanding and changing the kindergarten curriculum in Montgomery County (Maryland) Public Schools. The more rigorous, new curriculum became accelerated and literacy-based, focusing on mathematics, reading, art, music, and physical education. (MLH)

Descriptors: *Academic Standards; *Curriculum Design; Disadvantaged Youth; *Educational Quality; *Kindergarten; *Literacy Education; Primary Education; Professional Development; Program Descriptions; Public Opinion; *School Readiness; Young Children
Identifiers: *Montgomery County Public Schools MD

EJ626958 PS531849
Title: Testing a Core Emotion-Regulation Prediction: Does Early Attentional Persistence Moderate the Effect of Infant Negative Emotionality on Later Development?
Author(s) Belsky, Jay; Friedman, Sarah L.; Hsieh, Kuang-Hua
Source: Child Development, v72 n1 p123-33 Jan-Feb 2001
Publication Date: 2001
ISSN: 0009-3920
Document Type: Journal articles (080); Reports--Research (143)

Used NICHD Early Child Care data to examine effects of attentional persistence on relationship of infant negative emotionality to age 3 outcomes. Found that high negative emotionality related to low social competence only when attentional persistence was poor. Found no moderating effects of attentional persistence for behavior problems. High negative emotionality predicted high school readiness when persistence was high. (Author/KB)

Descriptors: Attention; *Attention Control; *Behavior Problems; *Emotional Development; Infant Behavior; Infants; *Interpersonal Competence; Longitudinal Studies; *Preschool Children; *School Readiness; Theories
Identifiers: Emotional Reactivity

EJ621352 EA538090
Title: Teaming Up: It Takes a Community To Raise a Child.
Author(s) Stauss, Julie
Source: American School Board Journal, v188 n2 p30-32 Feb 2001
Publication Date: 2001
ISSN: 0003-0953
Document Type: Journal articles (080); Reports--Evaluative (142)

The U.S. Department of Agriculture recently introduced a tool kit, "Changing the Scene," to help school personnel and community leaders change attitudes toward health and nutrition in public schools. The kit provides information on how the school environment affects children's eating and physical activity. (MLH)

Descriptors: *Eating Habits; Elementary Education; *Environmental Influences; Habit Formation; *Learning; *Nutrition Instruction; *School Readiness
Identifiers: *Department of Agriculture

EJ635664 PS532068
Title: Parents' and Teachers' Beliefs about Children's School Readiness in a High-Need Community.
Author(s) Piotrkowski, Chaya S.; Botsko, Michael; Matthews, Eunice
Source: Early Childhood Research Quarterly, v15 n4 p537-58 2000
Publication Date: 2000
ISSN: 0885-2006
Document Type: Journal articles (080); Reports--Research (143)

Compared the beliefs of preschool teachers, kindergarten teachers, and parents regarding children's school readiness in one mostly Hispanic and Black high-need urban school district. Found that parents held remarkably similar beliefs, regardless of ethnicity or education. Parents rated all classroom-related readiness resources such as communicating in English, compliance, and basic knowledge as more important than teachers did. (Author/KB)

Descriptors: Blacks; Compliance (Psychology); Early Childhood Education; Hispanic Americans; Learning Readiness; *Parent Attitudes; Parent Background; *Parents; Preschool Children; *Preschool Teachers; *School Readiness; *Teacher Attitudes
Identifiers: Ethnic Differences

EJ617214 SP528838
Title: Parents' Conceptions of Kindergarten Readiness: Relationships with Race, Ethnicity, and Development.
Author(s) Diamond, Karen E.; Reagan, Amy J.; Bandyk, Jennifer E.
Source: Journal of Educational Research, v94 n2 p93-100 Nov-Dec 2000
Publication Date: 2000
ISSN: 0022-0671
Document Type: Journal articles (080); Reports--Research (143)

Used data from the National Household Education Survey to examine parents' conceptions of kindergarten readiness and home learning, noting relationships with race and ethnicity. Racial/ethnic differences existed in parents' attitudes about readiness. Parents considered several academic and behavioral skills important for kindergarten success. Parents' concerns about kindergarten readiness were unrelated to learning activities and educational television viewing at home. (SM)

Descriptors: Ethnicity; Home Instruction; *Kindergarten Children; *Parent Attitudes; *Parent Child Relationship; Parents as Teachers; Primary Education; *Racial Differences; *School Readiness; Television Viewing

EJ616087 CG556062
Title: Kindergarten Screening: A Survey of Current Practice.
Author(s) Costenbader, Virginia; Rohrer, Allison M.; DiFonzo, Nicholas
Source: Psychology in the Schools, v37 n4 p323-32 Jul 2000
Publication Date: 2000
ISSN: 0033-3085
Document Type: Journal articles (080); Reports--Research (143)

Survey conducted of public and private school districts (N=755) in New York ascertained procedures and instruments used to conduct kindergarten screening. The Developmental Indicators for the Assessment of Learning, and the Brigance K and 1 Screen were the most widely used instruments. The majority of respondents (95%) reported that screening is conducted on an individual basis. (Author/JDM)

Descriptors: *Kindergarten; *Measures (Individuals); Primary Education; Private Education; Public Education; *School Readiness; School Surveys; Screening Tests
Identifiers: Brigance K and 1 Screen; Developmental Indicators Assessment Learning; New York

EJ612290 TM522882
Title: America's Kindergartners: Findings from the Early Childhood Longitudinal Study, Kindergarten Class of 1998-99: Fall 1998.
Author(s) West, Jerry; Denton, Kristin; Germino-Hausken, Elvie
Source: Education Statistics Quarterly, v2 n1 p7-13 Spr 2000
Publication Date: 2000
Notes: Originally published as the Executive Summary of the Statistical Analysis Report of the same name. For invited commentary, see TM 522 883 and 884. For the entire issue, see TM 031 655.
ISSN: 1521-3374
Document Type: Journal articles (080); Reports--Research (143)

Presents findings from a new study that will follow a nationally representative sample of 1998-1999 kindergartners through fifth grade. Describes differences in first-time kindergartners' skills, health, and approaches to learning. Demonstrates that differences exist in children's skills and knowledge in relation to their characteristics, background, and experiences. (Author/SLD)

Descriptors: Early Childhood Education; Health; *Kindergarten Children; Longitudinal Studies; National Surveys; Primary Education; *School Readiness; *Skills; *Student Characteristics
Identifiers: *Early Childhood Longitudinal Survey

EJ610232 PS530376
Title: Preschool Attendance and Kindergarten Readiness.
Author(s) Taylor, Kathryn Kees; Gibbs, Albert S.; Slate, John R.
Source: Early Childhood Education Journal, v27 n3 p191-95 Spr 2000
Publication Date: 2000
ISSN: 1082-3301

Document Type: Journal articles (080); Reports--Research (143)
Analyzed scores on the Georgia Kindergarten Assessment Program to determine whether school readiness was influenced by preschool program attendance. Found: (1) higher overall school readiness, physical, and personal scores for preschool attendees; (2) no difference as a function of type of preschool; and (3) that girls outperformed boys on the social measure. (DLH)

Descriptors: *Kindergarten Children; *Outcomes of Education; Performance Factors; *Preschool Education; *School Readiness; *School Readiness Tests; Test Use; Testing Programs
Identifiers: Georgia; Georgia Assessment Project

EJ606466 EA537210
Title: A Children's Garden No More.
Author(s) Bracey, Gerald W.
Source: Phi Delta Kappan, v81 n9 p712-13 May 2000
Publication Date: 2000
ISSN: 0031-7217
Document Type: Journal articles (080); Reports--Evaluative (142)

"America's Kindergartners," a National Center for Education Statistics report, suggests that kindergarten is becoming increasingly academic. Children's scores on the 1998-99 Early Childhood Study-Kindergarten reflected their mothers' educational and racial/ethnic backgrounds. Two-thirds of black and Hispanic kids fall into the lowest general-knowledge quartile. (MLH)

Descriptors: Antisocial Behavior; Attention Span; Kindergarten; *Mathematics Achievement; *Minority Groups; *Reading Achievement; *School Readiness; Student Behavior; *Young Children
Identifiers: Department of Education; *National Center for Education Statistics

EJ607676 CG555363
Title: Adjustment Outcomes of Developmental Placement: A Longitudinal Study.
Author(s) Matthews, Lorraine L.; May, Deborah C.; Kundert, Deborah K.
Source: Psychology in the Schools, v36 n6 p495-504 Nov 1999
Publication Date: 1999
ISSN: 0033-3085
Document Type: Journal articles (080); Reports--Research (143)

Examines school adjustment outcomes and emotional learning difficulties for students who participated in readiness kindergartens and pre-first classes. Significant differences were noted in retention rates, dropout rates, and special education placement rates. In spite of limitations of research, the practice of placing children in programs based on a screening test without further comprehensive evaluation can lead to placement errors. (Author/JDM)

Descriptors: Child Development; Grade 1; Kindergarten Children; Longitudinal Studies; *School Readiness; *Student Adjustment; *Student Placement
Identifiers: Gesell School Readiness Test; Kaufman Brief Intelligence Test

EJ602199 PS530334
Title: Starting School: What Do the Children Say?
Author(s) Dockett, Sue; Perry, Bob
Source: Early Child Development and Care, v159 p107-19 Dec 1999
Publication Date: 1999
Notes: Special Issue on: "Issues in Early Childhood Research."
ISSN: 0300-4430
Document Type: Journal articles (080); Reports--Research (143)

Fifty young children were interviewed concerning their experiences, expectations, and perceptions about starting school. Responses indicated strong focus on rules encountered in school and feelings about going to school. Conventional rules were mentioned most often, with moral and task rules negligible. Seventy-five percent of references to dispositions or feelings were positive. Negative dispositions included feeling sad or scared. (Author/KB)

Descriptors: *Childhood Attitudes; *Elementary School Students; Emotional Response; Interviews; Primary Education; *School Readiness; *Transitional Programs; *Young Children
Identifiers: School Rules

EJ602099 PS530091
Title: Head Start and Beyond.
Author(s) Oden, Sherri; Ricks-Doneen, Julie
Source: Children and Families, v18 n2 p56-61 Spr 1999
Publication Date: 1999
ISSN: 1091-7578
Document Type: Journal articles (080); Reports--Evaluative (142)

A follow-up study interviewed Head Start parents and children after their transition to public schools. Interview responses indicated that parents felt Head Start contributed to their children's overall development and readiness for school, helped their children with special needs, and improved parents' own knowledge and skills. (SD)

Descriptors: Early Childhood Education; *Educational Assessment; *Outcomes of Education; Parent Attitudes; *School Readiness
Identifiers: *Project Head Start

EJ581570 EA535637
Title: Reforming the Kindergarten Round-Up.
Author(s) Smith, Susan Sidney
Source: Educational Leadership, v56 n6 p39-44 Mar 1999
Publication Date: 1999
ISSN: 0013-1784
Document Type: Journal articles (080); Reports--Descriptive (141); Reports--
Evaluative (142)

Many schools host kindergarten roundups to facilitate children's transition from home to formal education. Roundups should not assess school readiness, but could be a valuable tool to help teachers' meet students' diverse needs. Roundups should open up parent-teacher communications, check for correctable learning impairments, and share meaningful information. (MLH)

Descriptors: *Diversity (Student); Information Dissemination; Kindergarten; *Learning Problems; Parent School Relationship; Program Descriptions; *School Readiness; *Student Evaluation; Student Needs; *Transitional Programs
Identifiers: Screening Procedures

EJ580310 PS528921
Title: Welfare Families' Use of Early Childhood Care and Education Programs, and Implications for Their Children's Development.
Author(s) Zaslow, Martha J.; Oldham, Erin; Moore, Kristin A.; Magenheim, Ellen
Source: Early Childhood Research Quarterly, v13 n4 p535-63 1998
Publication Date: 1998
Notes: For commentaries on this article, see PS 528 922 and PS 528 923 in this issue.
ISSN: 0885-2006
Document Type: Journal articles (080); Reports--Research (143)

Examined predictors of welfare families' participation in early-childhood programs, and development of welfare-family children who were enrolled in early-childhood programs. Found that maternal employment, maternal education, and number of children in the family were predictors of program participation, and that participation was associated with school readiness. (JS)

Descriptors: Day Care; *Day Care Effects; Early Childhood Education; Economically Disadvantaged; *Family Characteristics; Family Environment; Low Income Groups; Outcomes of Education; *Predictor Variables; *School Readiness; *Welfare Recipients
Identifiers: Aid to Families with Dependent Children

EJ576108 PS528617
Title: Predicting Kindergarten Academic Skills: Interactions among Child Care, Maternal Education, and Family Literacy Environments.
Author(s) Christian, Kate; Morrison, Frederick J.; Bryant, Fred B.
Source: Early Childhood Research Quarterly, v13 n3 p501-21 1998
Publication Date: 1998
ISSN: 0885-2006
Document Type: Journal articles (080); Reports--Research (143)

Examined sources of children's reading, vocabulary, general information, mathematics, and letter-recognition skills upon entrance to kindergarten. Predictors included ethnicity, gender, child IQ, family environment, maternal education, and months in child care. Found the need for strong parental involvement in children's development and subsidized child care for children in need. (Author)

Descriptors: Academic Ability; Academic Achievement; Day Care; Day Care Effects; Educational Environment; Family Environment; Family Influence; Family Role; *Kindergarten; Literacy; Mother Attitudes; Mothers; Parent Influence; Parent Participation; Parent Role; Predictor Variables; Primary Education; *School Readiness
Identifiers: *Academic Skills

EJ571176 TM521142
Title: Transitional First-Grade Referrals: An Analysis of School-Related Factors and Children's Characteristics.
Author(s) Mantzicopoulos, Panayota Y.; Neuharth-Pritchett, Stacey
Source: Journal of Educational Psychology, v90 n1 p122-33 Mar 1998
Publication Date: 1998
Availability: American Psychological Assn., Subscription Sec., 750 1st St., NE, Washington, DC 20002-4242.
Document Type: Journal articles (080); Reports--Research (143)

The relationships among transitional first-grade referrals, school characteristics, and children's personal and school readiness characteristics were studied with 223 students referred to developmental first-grade programs. Results indicate the complexity of referrals to transitional first-grade programs and identify characteristics of children usually referred. (SLD)

Descriptors: *Grade 1; Institutional Characteristics; Primary Education; *Referral; *School Readiness; *Student Characteristics; Student Placement; *Transitional Programs

EJ561642 PS527644
Title: Lessons from Three Decades of Transition Research.
Author(s) Kagan, Sharon L.; Neuman, Michelle J.
Source: Elementary School Journal, v98 n4 p365-79 Mar 1998
Publication Date: 1998
Notes: Theme issue: "Transitions."
ISSN: 0013-5984
Document Type: Journal articles (080); Reports--Evaluative (142)

Reviews major federally initiated transition demonstration efforts of past three decades: Follow Through and Head Start Planned Variation; Project Developmental Continuity; Head Start Transition Project, National Transition Study; and National Head Start/Public School Early Childhood Transition Demonstration Project. Asserts that findings are far from conclusive but do offer important lessons. Recommends multifaceted approach to promoting continuity in early learning. (EV)

Descriptors: Demonstration Programs; Developmental Continuity; Program Descriptions; *School Readiness; *Transitional Programs
Identifiers: Project Developmental Continuity; Project Head Start

EJ561639 PS527641
Title: Four Early Childhood Teachers Reflect on Helping Children with Special Needs Make the Transition to Kindergarten.
Author(s) Jewett, Jan; And Others
Source: Elementary School Journal, v98 n4 p329-38 Mar 1998
Publication Date: 1998
Notes: Theme issue: "Transitions."
ISSN: 0013-5984
Document Type: Journal articles (080); Reports--Research (143)

Used narrative inquiry techniques to analyze journal entries of four experienced preschool and primary teachers describing the process of helping special needs students make the transition to kindergarten. Found that, in contrast to "best practice" recommendations in the literature, teachers emphasized personal issues and interpersonal skills such as collaboration and communication in assisting students and their families with transition. (EV)

Descriptors: Interpersonal Relationship; Journal Writing; *Kindergarten; Primary Education; *School Readiness; *Special Needs Students; Student Adjustment; Student Needs; *Teacher Attitudes; Teacher Role

EJ561638 PS527640
Title: Perspectives of Former Head Start Children and Their Parents on School and the Transition to School.
Author(s) Ramey, Sharon Landesman; Lanzi, Robin Gaines; Ramey, Craig T.; Phillips, Martha M.
Source: Elementary School Journal, v98 n4 p311-27 Mar 1998
Publication Date: 1998
Notes: Theme issue: "Transitions."
ISSN: 0013-5984
Document Type: Journal articles (080); Reports--Research (143)

Questioned 4,582 former Head Start kindergartners and their primary caregivers to assess attitudes toward school. Seventy-four percent had extremely positive perceptions, but 7% reported not liking school, not doing well, and that they and their parents did not highly value doing well in school. Teachers' ratings of academic performance were significantly higher for children with positive attitudes. (EV)

Descriptors: Academic Achievement; *Childhood Attitudes; Family Characteristics; *Kindergarten; *Parent Attitudes; Primary Education; *School Attitudes; *School Readiness; Student Adjustment
Identifiers: *Project Head Start

EJ561637 PS527639
Title: Creating Risk and Promise: Children's and Teachers' Co-Constructions in the Cultural World of Kindergarten.
Author(s) Skinner, Debra; Bryant, Donna; Coffman, Jennifer; Campbell, Frances
Source: Elementary School Journal, v98 n4 p297-310 Mar 1998
Publication Date: 1998
Notes: Theme issue: "Transitions."
ISSN: 0013-5984
Document Type: Journal articles (080); Reports--Research (143)

Used ethnographic research on former Head Start children during their transition to school to examine how notions of their "risk" or "promise" as students were constructed through specific discourses and practices in kindergarten classrooms. Found many examples of positive interactions between students and teachers but also some practices that could contribute to early school failure. (EV)

Descriptors: Classroom Environment; *Discourse Analysis; Ethnography; High Risk Students; *Kindergarten; Primary Education; *School Readiness; *Student Adjustment; *Teacher Expectations of Students; Teacher Student Relationship
Identifiers: *Project Head Start

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