| Abstract: | This study compared third-grade achievement test scores of participants in vertical Home Start (VHS), a preschool individualized program for children from 2 to 5 years of age; with comparable scores of their older and nonprogram siblings. Nonparametric rank ordering assessment revealed significant trends for black VHS children to attain higher rankings on 11 of the 15 subtest measures; no significant ranking differences were obtained with white children. Results indicate that, especially for black children, home-based preschool enrichment may more effectively promote growth in math and basic skills areas related to Cattell's crystallized intelligence, with more limited enrichment effects in such language-linked subject areas as vocabulary and reading. |
