Recognizing the precursors of failure in school

Most of the children who fail in school come from educationally high-risk groups which are identifiable in the preschool years. Early recognition allows for constructive planning and in some cases the interposition of specific therapy (Table 1). Aall physicians should be aware of the relationships between these high-rish categories and future educational failure. The physician needs to accept responsibility for properly ensuring that the child will experience a wholesome, enriching experience in the school years. If the above measures were applied widely, a substantial reduction in the incidence of school failure among American children would be realized.