Degree Name

Education Specialist (EdS)

Semester of Degree Completion

1996

Thesis Director

Larry Janes

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine whether participation in the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) Prekindergarten Program for Children At Risk of Academic Failure had impact on a child's future academic placement. Current uncertainty regarding continued ISBE or federal funding of programs makes such a longitudinal study imperative. This study examined the 1995-1996 academic placement, including additional resources required, i.e., Title 1, speech, or learning disabled services, for 40 children who participated in the 1990-1991 Hamilton-Jefferson Counties Educational Service Region cooperative prekindergarten program in Jefferson County. Results indicated that all children reached expected placement, regardless of one or two years' prekindergarten participation. Jefferson County results were also compared to the same age groups in the annual ISBE Prekindergarten Program Summary Report. Local results compared favorably for promotion rates, as well as for children requiring self-contained special education. Larger percentages oflocal children required additional resources than did those same age groups in the Summary Report. A recommendation for longitudinal studies at the district-level is included.

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