School Readiness - Early Prevention of School Failure

3.1.8 Early Prevention of School Failure

Another issue associated with the instruction of young children is early prevention strategies to prevent school failure. The limits of this Essay do not permit a lengthy discussion of this issue.

Mallory & Goldsmith (1991) have summarized the American experience with Head Start programs that are intended to prevent school failure. They describe these programs as being more than just education programs. The programs provide a comprehensive range of services, create opportunities for parent education, involvement and mutual support and offer a locus for local community development efforts.

Smith (1988) has reviewed the effectiveness of early prevention programs/ She cites studies showing significant cost-benefit ratios. She has also described the essential features of effective early prevention programs.

Hills (1987) shows how screening programs can help to integrate at risk students successfully into early childhood programs. Clearly differentiating screening from assessment, she shows that the purpose of screening is to direct support services to students who have been identified to be at risk so that they can enter school successfully.

Werner (1995) has described the work of the school district in Peotone, Illinois. The program is being publicized by the National Diffusion Program of the U.S. Department of Education as one of its "Programs that Work", series. The program is designed to prevent school failure by identifying the developmental levels and learning styles of children ages four to six. Portfolios and individualized programs are then developed for at-risk students.

Slavin (n.d.) is synthesizing the current state of knowledge about preschool, kindergarten and early elementary programs for preventing early reading problems. The project found that a combination of birth to three, preschool and kindergarten programs, effective instruction in the elementary grades and support services for children were able to prevent early reading failure.

Lethbridge, Alberta

The community services agencies for young children and families in Lethbridge have tried to integrate their programs by amalgamating the Family and Community Development Program and Parents Place, a parental support organization. Lethbridge's two school districts and social services have offered a part-time psychologists to the parents' resource program. The goal of the program is to be client-centered and respond to the needs of young parents.

Go to these pages for more on school readiness:

3.1.1 Kindergarten

3.1.2 Instruction

3.1.3 Curriculum / Learning Outcomes

3.1.4 Student Assessment

3.1.5 School Social Climate

3.1.6 School Physical Environment

3.1.7 Involving Parents

3.1.9 Poverty

3.1.10 Special Needs

3.1.11 Support from School District, Ministry and Other Agencies

3.1.12 Monitoring Progress

Also, go back to the Introduction of this Essay for more on home, agency and community readiness efforts.