Study Indicates Many Kids Aren't Ready When It Comes Time For Kindergarten

By Dr. Marciene Mattleman

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - A study from the University of Virginia based on 2,000 kindergarten children over two years found that one in three of the state's kids rated poorly on kindergarten readiness.

Children were evaluated on literacy, math, self-regulation and social development.

Given the high poverty in this country with so many kids missing a preschool experience and low literacy rates of many families, there is no question that other places nationwide would have the same results. Many, many homes have few or no books.

While no one is arguing that children should be held back, such findings support the need for expansion of early childhood programs preparing kids for kindergarten. Data show clearly that with early intervention kids are much more likely to be successful in school.

Read more in The Washington Post about concern about excessive testing and the need to train teachers to address these gaps.