McGrew, JacobLohrke, ElizabethStone, Joe A.2013-05-242013-05-242012https://hdl.handle.net/1794/1286637 pagesIn this paper, we measure statistical relationships between characteristics of incoming kindergartners and initial literacy scores. Our analysis includes eight elementary schools, four of which are Promise Neighborhood schools in Lane County: Two Rivers-Dos Rios Elementary (formerly Brattain) and Maple Elementary in the Springfield School District plus Fairfield Elementary and Malabon Elementary from the Bethel School District. Our control group includes comparable schools that are not part of the Promise Neighborhoods in each district. Using scores from the literacy benchmark tests each incoming student takes upon entering kindergarten–controlling for certain variables–we find characteristics with the largest coefficients, making them most likely to have a relationship that influences literacy scores. This provides useful information for program planning and spending in the Promise Neighborhoods. Using the statistical relationships discovered in our analysis, and some we felt would be useful for study if available, we suggest variables on which to collect data for future assessments. This data will be collected through a questionnaire given out with kindergarten registration packets. We also include a literature review focusing on the importance of children entering school prepared to learn. The emphasis in these studies is on both literacy skills and social-emotional development prior to kindergarten, as well as the benefits associated with early childhood development program investment.en-UScc_by-nc-saPromise NeighborhoodsSpringfield (Or.)LiteracyOther