DESCRIPTORS Achievement Gains; *Comparative Analysis;

Abstract

This preliminary report evaluates the secondyear, 1970-71, of Head Start Planned Variation (HSPV), covering research methodology, description of the models, characteristics of the children, classrooms and sites, estimated overall effects of the Head Start experience, differences in the effects of PV and comparison classrooms, and short term effects of 11 Head Start program models. An attempt is made to answer the questions: (1) Wbat are the short term effects of a Head Start experience oh children? (2) Are there discernible differences between the effects on children of a IISPV experience and a conventional Head. Start experience? (3) Do PV models differ in their effects on Head Start children? Five outcome measures __Itgre used: three measures of cognitive achievement, one of general \intelligence, and one of motor control. Major findings indicated that: the Head Start experience substantially increased children'