Examines the varying opinions on school readiness within a broad context and, more specifically, in relation to mathematics learning. Focuses on the kinds of mathematical experiences children should have before entering formal schooling and suggestions for parents of young children. Specific areas examined include: (1) national standards as a road…

Describes the typical kindergarten day as experienced by one child in the German-speaking region of Switzerland. Illustrates the main goal of kindergarten as preparing children for school rather than teaching reading, writing, or written numeracy. Focuses on the oral language learning approach incorporating teacher- and child-initiated activities.…

Discusses a study done using the Productivity Environmental Survey that reviews the learning style preferences of adults in a university setting. Twenty learning styles with three predictors were used. It was found that three styles (structure, evening, and afternoon preferences) were most effective. (Contains 20 references.) (MZ)

Comments on three areas of general concern in the whole language movement: developmental theoretical underpinnings; "do's and dont's" of whole language instruction; and the future implementation of whole language teaching and learning. (BB)

Makes two assumptions in examining the transition to kindergarten: (1) multiple risk factors are expected to predict early school social and academic success or failure; (2) classroom and playground experiences will exacerbate or mitigate the effects of those risk factors. Notes the importance of identifying child, family, child care, and…

Discusses the first national education goal, which concerns children starting school ready to learn. Outlines the position of the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) and reports on activities of the National Education Goals Panel. NAEYC calls for a commitment to addressing inequities in children's lives, supporting…

Reviews Pianta and Cox's book, which covers the significance of early school transitions; the ecology of transitions into and through kindergarten; facilitating transitions for children from diverse backgrounds; and implications of the kindergarten transition. Cautions that while the book provides a strong empirical foundation, it does not provide…

Examines three Swedish research projects concerning how reading and writing are viewed in the preschool context. Finds that linguistic awareness is a precondition, stimulating linguistic awareness fosters literacy development, linguistic awareness activities are common in preschools, and attitudes have changed about when and how young children…

This study examined effects of participation in a Head Start-based father involvement intervention program. Findings suggested a positive association between high level participation in the intervention and increased father involvement at post- treatment. Children in the high participation group showed higher mathematics readiness change scores.…

Using a sample of 314 Australian university students the Readiness for Online Learning questionnaire was tested for its technical characteristics of reliability and factorability, with results indicating the instrument has promise both for research and for practice. The factor analysis identified a factor associated with self-management of…

The community college is a major site preparing students for nursing careers, an important role at a time of a national shortage. However, many of the low socioeconomic status (SES), minority students who aspire to associates degrees in nursing display low levels of academic preparedness. An analysis of 3-year institutional data from a single…

Within the current climate of heightened interest in the education of young children, it is essential that consideration be given to different factors which may impact, either positively or negatively, on the achievement of young learners when their academic progress in literacy and numeracy is considered. The research study reported in this paper…

Research has confirmed the link between a number of psychosocial issues (including limited/lacking social networks, learned helplessness, substance abuse, and emotional problems) and homelessness. Research has further established that those psychosocial issues are interlinked by the common denominator of depression, the recognized cognitive…

Findings from two studies of fourth grade children learning the concept of mathematical equivalence are presented. The questions studied were: (1) Can knowledge conveyed in gesture but not in speech be tapped by a recognition technique; and (2) Does having implicit knowledge that is expressed in gesture but not in speech have implications for…

Educators commonly recommend that children born during the summer months, especially boys, be given an extra year to mature before entering kindergarten so that they will not suffer from the academic disadvantages of being among the youngest children in a class. Terms such as "academic red-shirting" and "graying of the…