Risk Factors for Reading Difficulties in Early Childhood

• In Event: Reading Development and Instruction for Struggling Readers

Abstract

We identified risk factors for the early and recurring reading difficulties. Logistics regression analyses of a subsample of children (N=6,250) participating in the Early Childhood Longitudinal Study-Birth Cohort (ECLS-B) indicated that socio-economic status consistently related to young children’s reading difficulties. Boys, those born with low birthweight, and children displaying cognitive delays by 24 months were also at elevated risk for recurring repeated difficulties. Those displaying vocabulary delays and learning-related behavior problems were more likely to begin kindergarten with identified disabilities.

Authors

• Paul L. Morgan, The Pennsylvania State University

• George Farkas, University of California - Irvine

• Marianne Hillemeier, The Pennsylvania State University

• Carol Hammer, Temple University

• Steven Maczuga, The Pennsylvania State University