Follow-up Study of Students in the Early Admission Program

In 1978, the Montgomery County (Maryland) public schools initiated an early admission (EA) pilot program that allowed 5-year olds to enter first grade. Two approaches were utilized: Under Plan I, a small number of 5-year olds entered regular grade 1 classes; under Plan II entire classes of 5-year olds attended school the full day, with the intention that they would cover both kindergarten and first grade curricula by year's end. Initial evaluation showed that only a small percentage of participating students in either group actually went on to be placed in grade 2. Further evaluation collected follow-up information on program graduates in first, second, or third grades. Most of the 21 children placed in grade 2 after the EA program experienced success. The remaining (approximately 280) children who were placed in grade 1 rated significantly higher than their non-EA classmates in both academic and social development. Difficulties were encountered in predicting achievement on the basis of standardized tests and teachers' ratings. These findings indicate that very few 5-year olds are ready for first grade, but that many children could benefit from a more enriched program than kindergarten presently provides. The evaluation also indicates the need for multiple criteria for identifying children ready for early placement. (Author/GC)