National School ReadinessAssessment in Iranian Children at School Entry, 2008

Document Type : Original Article(s)

Authors

1 Vice Chancellor in Ministry of Education, Bureau for Prevention of Health and Social Damages, Tehran, Iran

2 Director General, Family Health, Population and School Health Bureau, Ministry of Health and Medical Education, Tehran, Iran

3 Expert in Prevention of Health and Social Damages, Ministry of Education, Tehran, Iran

4 Pediatrician, Head of Adolescents, Youth and School Health Office, Ministry of Health and Medical Education, Tehran, Iran

5 Specialist in Community & Preventive Medicine,, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran

6 Research assistant, Isfahan Cardiovascular Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran

7 Associate Professor of Pediatrics, Isfahan Cardiovascular Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran

Abstract

School readiness evaluation before entering elementary schools is now accepted in many of countries. Various methods has been used also evaluated factors are different. School readiness pays attention to children ability for accommodation with educational necessities and learning of their contents. In this study the mean of score obtains by Iranian children before entering elementary schools and some related factors assessed. Background: Study sample were 899035 children with 6 years of old that registered for elementary schools in 800 stations in 565 cities in 31 provinces in all over Iran. Sampling methods was census. They were examined for physical, psychological and social fitness, language and cognitive skills and general information's knowledge. Every of 5 sections had 20 scores and total score was 100 in sum. Methods: From these 899035 children the most frequency was in Tehran (88735) and the lowest from Kohkilooye-va-Boyer Ahmad (7516). Mean of total score for all of children was 58.19. Mean of score in girls were more than boys. The most referral rate for special examinations was in Hamedan (15.9%) and the lowest rate was in Ghazvin (3.2%). In this study 63198 children were referred to more specific centers for detailed ruled out. Findings: Early detection of disorders and diseases in children is a priority for each program that intended to reduce them and promote towards better situation. Finally we can hope for better future on health, education and school successful. Conclusion: School readiness, student, pre-school, Iran. Key words: