Transition to school: Reflections on readiness more

Although globally primary school enrollment has increased dramatically in recent years, primary school completion rates remain disappointing. In many countries, the highest rates of dropout and repetition are at the Grade 1 level. In such a context, it becomes critical to examine children’s entry into, adjustment to, and success in their earliest years of primary school—in other words, children’s transition to school. This paper explores the notions of transition and readiness in international contexts, with a focus on the Majority world. It considers children’s readiness for school, schools’ readiness for children, and the challenges around both. Examples of policies and programs that appear promising in supporting children’s successful transition are highlighted. As part of this, the paper draws upon the experiences and lessons learned of the Aga Khan Foundation (AKF) in early child development and school improvement efforts in the Majority world. Lastly, implications for policy and practice are explored.

View here: http://www.psych.utah.edu/people/people/fogel/jdp/journals/5/journal05-04.pdf