The Relationship Between School Composition, School Processes, and Student Learning in Early Primary Education

• In Event: Educational Effectiveness in Elementary Schools

Abstract

The present study investigates the relationship between school composition, school processes, and student learning in the early years of primary education. International research points to the initial ability level, family background, ethnicity, sex, and – to a lesser extent – motivational level of the school as important variables in explaining student learning. Moreover, some researchers suggest that schools ‘react’ to their student body and for that reason the relationship between school composition and school processes is examined. Data from the SiBO Project, a longitudinal study in primary education, have been analyzed using piecewise growth curve modeling and multilevel mediation analysis. The initial results show small school composition effects on mathematics learning, which are partially mediated by school processes.

Authors

• Tinneke Boonen, K.U. Leuven

• Jan A. Van Damme, KU Leuven

• Patrick Mjl Onghena, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven