The Atlanta Journal Constitution – Maureen Downey 
A new Duke University study suggests problems paying attention in school in early childhood can foreshadow academic challenges later, including graduating from high school. Such students are 40 percent less likely to graduate, according to the study. The study also found likability — as reported by peers — has a small impact on academic performance. The study confirms what many teachers have pointed out on the blog: Patterns are set early. Teachers often say they can predict in fifth grade which students will fail to finish high school. The study found young students with early attention difficulties had lower grades and reading achievement scores than their peers by fifth grade. The gap persists, culminating in lower graduation rates.(more)