Long-Term Effects of Four Preschool Programs: Sixth, Seventh, and Eighth Grades

MILLER, LOUISE B., and BIZZELL, RONDEALL P. Long-Term Effects of Four Preschool Programs: Sixth, Seventh, and Eighth Grades. CHILD DEVELOPMENT, 1983, 54, 727-741. 60%-65% of the children who were in 4 prekindergarten programs for 1 year in 1968-1969 were compared at sixth, seventh, and eighth grades on IQ and school achievement. IQs did not differ significantly among the program groups, but in reading and math there were differential effects related to both preschool program and sex in all 3 middle-school years. Males from the 2 nondidactic programs were significantly higher in achievement than males from the 2 didactic programs. Females from didactic programs were slightly but not significantly higher. Montessori males were consistently the highest group. Results were not attributable to selective attrition.