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The Developmental Trajectory of Spatial Skills as Predictors of Mathematics Achievement

Thu, April 16, 12:00 to 1:30pm, Sheraton, Floor: Fourth Level, Chicago VI&VII

Abstract

A three-year longitudinal study examining the developmental trajectory of spatial skills in 305 children beginning in the second grade. We determined whether these trajectories were influenced by socio-economic status, gender and working memory, and the impact of trajectories on the 4th grade end-of-year test. The results indicated that there were two developmental trajectories for the development of spatial skills. One trajectory resulted in students either meeting or exceeding standards on the mathematics end-of-year test, the other predicted performance that was either below expectations or meeting expectations. Children who had free lunch were more likely to follow the later trajectory. Also, for girls who followed that trajectory had significantly lower scores in second grade putting them at an additional disadvantage.

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