View analysis of kindergartener and first year students? parents and teachers on school readiness of children

The purpose of this study is to examine how parents and teachers perceive the concept of `school readiness? and what steps are taken accordingly. The study group of this study is the Ministry of National Education primary school first graders? and kindergarteners? parents (350 kindergarteners, 400 first graders? parents) and first grade teachers (50 teacher of kindergarten, 40 of first grade) in Adana. The data were collected through a questionnaire developed by the researcher and through a semi-structured interview form. A limited number of teachers and parents were interviewed. The quantitative data (the questionnaires and some parts of interviews) were analyzed through computers and some data through descriptive statistics such as frequency, percentage, arithmetical medium, chisquare. The interview data were analyzed by use of content analysis according to the criteria set by the researcher. Following the study, a 20-item chi-square test was applied to parents and teachers to see the difference in their school readiness view and importance they attach to the related behaviors. A significant difference was found between these 20 behavioral items (P=.00). It is observed that parents and teachers? views on school readiness and related behaviors have changed. Responses of teachers and parents to the 29-items that are effective at the beginning of primary schooling were evaluated through chi-square test. No significant difference was found between the responses of ?The child generally scribbles his drawings and writings? (P=.83), ?Attention period of the child? (P=.11), ?Calendar age of the child? (P=.35) and ?Teacheriv parent communication? (P=.11) among the four groups. Significant difference was observed in all other items (P=.00). The findings show that during the pre-schooling period parents are involved in activities like drawing, coloring, literacy development, homework, concept study by using books. When parents? views are examined about the features their children need to possess for schooling; age, physical, cognitive and socio- emotional readiness are stated. Kindergarten teachers prepare children for schooling working on literacy skills and first grade teachers by organizing an orientation. Half of the kindergarten teachers approve early literacy works whereas teachers of first grade strictly oppose it considering the negative consequences. Kindergarten teachers state that parents expect them to focus on concept formation studies, to assign homework and to organize an end of year show. Key words: Preschool education, primary school first grade, school readiness, primary school preparation.