Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://hdl.handle.net/10620/18138
Longitudinal Study: LSAC
Title: Early mathematical competencies and later outcomes: Insights from the Longitudinal Study of Australian Children
Authors: MacDonald, Amy 
MacDonald, A 
Carmichael, Colin 
Publication Date: 11-Oct-2016
Keywords: Mathematical Competence
Education
Learning Outcomes
Early Childhood
Abstract: International research suggests that early mathematical competences predicts later mathematical outcomes. In this paper, we build on our previous study of young children’s mathematical competencies (MacDonald & Carmichael, 2015) to explore the relationship between mathematical competencies at 4-5 years, as measured by teacher ratings, and later results on Years 3, 5, 7 and 9 NAPLAN numeracy tests. Data from a nationally-representative sample of 2343 children participating in the Longitudinal Study of Australian Children (LSAC) are examined. In line with overseas studies, we report moderate correlations between pre-entry mathematics and later NAPLAN results. However, analysis of individual growth trajectories suggests that in fact early mathematics predicts the initial (Year 3) level, but not subsequent growth. This suggests that early mathematical competences are important for enhancing outcomes in early schooling, but that the quality of mathematics education provided in the schooling years is critical for future development.
Conference: Opening up mathematics education research: 39th annual conference of the Mathematics Education Research Group of Australasia
Conference location: Adelaide
Keywords: Education and Training; Child Development -- Cognitive; Education and Training -- Early Childhood; Education and Training -- Literacy and numeracy
Research collection: Conference Papers
Appears in Collections:Conference Papers

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