Superintendent of Schools SUBJECT: MIGRANT PRESCHOOL PROGRAM: THE ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE OF MIGRANT STUDENTS

The attached Research Brief provides results of an examination of the academic performance of three cohorts of migrant students who were enrolled in the Migrant Preschool Program (MPP) at Robert C. Markham Elementary School during the 1998-99, 2000-01, and 2001-02 school years. Findings for the 1998-99 MPP cohort revealed no significant differences between the test scores of the cohort and a comparison group of Head Start students on the Stanford Achievement Test, Ninth Edition (SAT9) Reading and Mathematics subtests nor the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test-Sunshine State Standards (FCAT-SSS) Reading and Mathematics subtests. However, when compared to district students ’ test scores on the same standardized assessments, MPP students scored significantly lower than district students. Further, findings for the other MPP cohorts revealed that, overall, MPP students did not perform as well as district kindergarten students on the School Readiness Uniform Screening System (SRUSS). In order for the district’s migrant students to succeed in school, additional and continuous academic support is required. Questions concerning this study should be addressed to me at (754) 321-2470 or Dr. Cary Sutton, Director, Research Services, at (754) 321-2500