THE SOCIAL-CONTEXT OF EARLY SCHOOLING AND CHILDRENS SCHOOL ADJUSTMENT

The transition to elementary school is a major developmental milestone in the life of a child. It has been estimated that a significant numb er of children experience academic, social-emotional, or behavioral di fficulties as they adapt to the challenges of formal schooling. Furthe rmore, these difficulties are compounded by poverty, often co-occur, a nd persist over time. This article explores the relation between the s ocial context of early schooling; that is, features of the classroom a nd school environment and children's adjustment. A contextual understa nding of early school adjustment fills an important gap in the literat ure and provides direction for future research.