Fuhua Zhai, PH.D. and C. Chbele Raver, PH.D. "Predicting Children's Transitions From Head Start To Low-Performing Schools in Chicago..." ERIC Educational Resources Information Center. Reports-Research. 2010. Web. February 23, 2010.
Because of the many stresses children from low income families are exposed to, they have greater chances to develop emotional and behavior problems. Oppositional Defiance Disorder and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is increased in children from low income families. Children are then at a risk for a variety of other issues such as substance abuse, drop out unemployment, health problems and teen pregnancy. Subject to stress children from low income families tend to develop conditions that can lead to other issues.
The transition from preschool to kindergarten until third grade is a crucial time in a child's development. Head Start's efforts fade if elementary school is substandard. Children must have not only high quality Head Start, but also high quality education must be provided in elementary schools in order for children to excel.
High risk children that had left Head Start and transitioned to kindergarten with no treatment 73% of them attended a low performing school as opposed to 60% of the children that received treatment. Poverty remained relatively constant during the study. Mostly, at risk children that have no treatment attend low performing schools.
Improving elementary schools can help high risk students sustain the efforts provided by Head Start. Many students attending high performing elementary schools improved skills and reduced behavior problems. Also, a treatment program designed for at risk children helps set up a more "positive educational trajectory." This program should be provided to at risk students throughout their primary and secondary education. High risk students improve if elementary schools improve and treatment is provided.
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