Academic effects
The classic review of the literature
by Shepard and Smith (1986)
indicates that although the oldest children in a class on average are
more successful than their younger peers in the first few grades (in first grade by about 7�8 percentile points), these differences are of
little practical significance and usually disappear by grade three.
Most of the differences are almost entirely attributable to children who fall below the 25th percentile in ability. That is, it seems that the combination of young age and low ability has negative consequences for achievement.
So THAT's where the 'all even out by 3rd grade comment comes from!!!!
Now I can sleep at night. AH
Grinity
