Poster #7 - Math Instruction and Initial Skills: The Importance of Teaching Advanced Skills to All Students

• In Event: 61.072 - MTCC Poster Session 13
  In Poster Session: 61.072-1 - Poster Session in Mathematics Teaching and Learning

Abstract

Math skills taught during kindergarten instruction influence children’s math learning, however, children differentially benefit based on their earlier skills. Using data from the kindergarten year of the ECLS-K:2011, this study examined associations between math instruction and children’s math achievement, and how these associations varied based on children’s executive function and math skills at school entry. More frequently teaching Advanced Number Skills and Operation was associated with larger math gains, while more frequently teaching Basic Math Skills was associated with smaller gains. Additionally, the association between Advanced Number Skills and gains was stronger for children who started kindergarten with lower math skills or cognitive flexibility. Findings support teaching more advanced math skills during kindergarten to support children’s critical early math learning.

Authors

• Christina D Mulcahy, University of Denver

• Jessica Vick Whittaker, University of Virginia

• Bridget Kathleen Hamre, University of Virginia