The Relationship Between College Readiness and Early Mathematics and Reading Skills

• In Event: 53.065 - School Readiness: Indicators, Predictors, and Effects

Abstract

This study examines the relationship between early reading and mathematics skills as measured by Early Childhood Longitudinal Survey Kindergarten (ECLS-K) proficiency levels at kindergarten, grades 1, 3, and 5th and college readiness as predicted by being proficient on NAEP grade 8 reading and mathematics assessments. Results showed that there was a positive relationship between early math skills and proficiency at grade 8. Using the modal highest level of proficiency achieved within each grade, we identified 6 groups of students. Compared to students who were always below the median mathematics achievement level from spring of kindergarten to spring of grade 5, students who were always above median had about 45.2% more chance of being proficient at grade 8.

Authors

• Burhan Ogut, American Institutes for Research

• Lu Michelle Yin, American Institutes for Research