Special Primary Program in Five Schools. Evaluation of ESEA Title I Projects in New York City, 1968-69

Aimed at grades pre-K through 2 in five selected elementary schools, this program was to provide an overlay of staff and services in addition to those already provided by other poverty area school projects. Academic achievement, parental involvement, and better communication among the grades were the objectives. The emphasis was on reading and speech. After School Study Centers were set up to offer remedial and instructional reading, art, music, and crafts, and to serve as places for club meetings. The evaluation discusses actual implementation of provision of additional personnel and services, program's impact on children, effectiveness of staff, involvement and reactions of selected parents, and functioning and effectiveness of the After School Centers. Appendix includes measuring instruments, questionnaires, and interview and observation guides. Also appended is a discussion of a study of preschool program effects on child development. This study was based on teacher assessment of student skills, personal independence, language facility, and interpersonal relationships and motor ability. (KG)