to Relative Age and Academic Achievement   Research has shown that children who enter grade one at a relatively young age do less well than those who are older even though the span from youngest to oldest may be only one year. In the majority of school jurisdictions, however, the age-range within a  particular grade  may cover more than one year, with children who are younger than their classmates tending to achieve less well, be classed as learning disabled, and show adjustment difficulties.     The Figure shows such data for Alberta students. Values represent the proporion exceeding the standard for a "pass" and the proportion deemed to have achieved excellence. Clearly, the overall range for these grade three students is more than one year and that both those above and below age do less well than those in the correct age for grade.    Relative Age Menu