School readiness, a multi-dimensional concept,1
conveys important advantages. Children who
enter school with early skills, such as a basic knowledge of math and reading, are more likely
than their peers to experience later academic success,2,3 attain higher levels of education, and
secure employment.4
Absence of these and other skills may contribute to even greater
disparities down the road. For example, one study found that gaps in math, reading, and
vocabulary skills evident at elementary school entry explained at least half of the racial gap in
high school achievement scores.