A1 Journal article (refereed)
Early Cognitive Precursors of Children's Mathematics Learning Disability and Persistent Low Achievement : A 5-Year Longitudinal Study (2020)

Zhang, X., Räsänen, P., Koponen, T., Aunola, K., Lerkkanen, M.-K., & Nurmi, J.-E. (2020). Early Cognitive Precursors of Children's Mathematics Learning Disability and Persistent Low Achievement : A 5-Year Longitudinal Study. Child Development, 91(1), 7-27. https://doi.org/10.1111/cdev.13123

JYU authors or editors

Publication details

All authors or editors: Zhang, Xiao; Räsänen, Pekka; Koponen, Tuire; Aunola, Kaisa; Lerkkanen, Marja-Kristiina; Nurmi, Jari-Erik

Journal or series: Child Development

ISSN: 0009-3920

eISSN: 1467-8624

Publication year: 2020

Volume: 91

Issue number: 1

Pages range: 7-27

Publisher: Wiley-Blackwell Publishing, Inc.

Publication country: United States

Publication language: English

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/cdev.13123

Publication open access: Not open

Publication channel open access: 

Abstract

Mathematical difficulties have been distinguished as mathematics learning disability (MLD) and persistent low achievement (LA). Based on 1,880 Finnish children who were followed from kindergarten (age 6) to fourth grade, this study examined the early risk factors for MLD and LA. Distinct groups of MLD (6.0% of the sample) and LA (25.7%) children were identified on the basis of their mathematics performance between first and fourth grades with latent class growth modeling. Impairment in the same set of cognitive skills, including language, spatial, and counting skills, was found to underlie MLD and LA. The finding highlights the importance of monitoring mathematical development across the early grades and identifying early cognitive precursors of MLD and LA for screening and intervention efforts.

Keywords: learning difficulties; mathematical skills; underachievement; longitudinal research

Free keywords: mathematical difficulties; mathematics learning disability; low achievement; Dyscalculia; Word Problem; Learning Disorders

Contributing organizations

Related projects

Ministry reporting: Yes

Reporting Year: 2020

JUFO rating: 3