Early Math Trajectories: From Pre-Kindergarten to Fifth Grade

• In Event: Poster Session 1
  In Poster Session: Division C Section 1c Poster Session: Research in Mathematics Education

Abstract

The current study elucidates specific early mathematics skills that support later mathematics knowledge. An Early Math Trajectories model was evaluated within a longitudinal study of 517 low-income children from the beginning of the prekindergarten year to fifth grade. This model includes a broader range of math skills than previous models as well as a potential pathway from prekindergarten skills to middle-grades mathematics achievement. At the beginning of prekindergarten, nonsymbolic magnitude and counting knowledge predicted fifth-grade mathematics achievement, and by the end of first grade, symbolic mapping, calculation and patterning knowledge were the important predictors. Further, the first grade predictors mediated the relationship between beginning prekindergarten mathematics skills and fifth-grade math achievement, in support of the Early Math Trajectories model.

Authors

• Bethany Rittle-Johnson, Vanderbilt University

• Emily Ruth Fyfe, University of Wisconsin - Madison

• Kerry Guess Hofer, Vanderbilt University

• Dale C. Farran, Vanderbilt University