Kindergarten Readiness: Using Age or Skills in Assessing a Child’s Readiness

<p>Currently, age is the primary indicator of kindergarten readiness. A concise list of readiness skills to guide parents and teachers when deciding if a child is ready for kindergarten is lacking. The literature reveals that older age kindergarten entrance is not a predictor of academic success, nor is age an accurate indicator of readiness. In this study, responses from approximately 22 kindergarten teachers to a readiness questionnaire identify and develop a succinct list of the skills these professionals view as most significant for kindergarten readiness. According to the teachers in this study, the ability to sit and listen for approximately 15 minutes is a very necessary readiness skill. Additionally, respect for peers, following directions, appropriate classroom behavior, and personal responsibility were also consistently identified as indicators of kindergarten readiness. While most teachers in the sample would prefer incoming kindergarten students to have already turned five before entering school, age and academic skills were not identified as necessary for kindergarten readiness in this study. Questionnaire is appended.</p>

Name thesis:degree_name

Master of Science

Level thesis:degree_level

Master's Thesis

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Education

Year dc:date.available

2005

Author dc:creator

• Smith, Leslie Barden

Contributors dc:contributor

• Madalienne F. Peters, EdD

• Student Behavior
• Kindergarten
• School Readiness
• Academic Achievement
• Teacher Attitudes
• Preschool Teachers
• Curriculum and Instruction
• Educational Assessment, Evaluation, and Research
• Pre-Elementary, Early Childhood, Kindergarten Teacher Education

Repository record dc:identifier

https://scholar.dominican.edu/masters-theses/151

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:scholar.dominican.edu:masters-theses-1152