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Abstract
The early identification of behavior problems is important in ensuring children are given the tools needed for success in kindergarten (Stormont et al., 2005). Research has demonstrated that the transition to kindergarten is a pivotal experience in early childhood development and that a successful transition has lasting effects on behavior and academic achievement (Mirkhil, 2010; Pianta & Cox, 1999). The current study sought to determine how childrens scores on literacy measures are related to their behavior and how these relationships change over time. Further, the current study assessed how gender and enrollment in the free/reduced lunch program were related to behavior. Results indicated that children with problem behaviors tend to have lower scores on literacy measures but this relationship decreases across time. Males were found to have more concerning behaviors than females. Future studies should use multiple measures of behavior to further investigate how childrens behavior evolves over time.