Summer Birth Date Children Kindergarten Entrance Age and Academic Achievement

Academic achievement indices taken at fifth or sixth grade for summer birth date children who entered kindergarten at age 5 were compared with the academic achievement indices of summer birth date children who entered kindergarten at age 6. Scores on standardized achievement tests were analyzed for 45 pairs of subjects who were matched for ability and gender. All statistically significant differences favored those summer birth date children who entered kindergarten at age 6. Dependent t tests indicated a statistically significant difference (p < .05) in composite test battery scores favoring both older males and older females. Older males scored significantly higher than younger males did in total reading subscores (p < .01). Results of the study indicated a general academic advantage at fifth or sixth grade for summer birth date children who postponed kindergarten entrance 1 year. A particular advantage in reading at fifth or sixth grade was indicated for summer birth date males who postponed kindergarten entrance 1 year.