ERIC Number: EJ938666
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2011
Pages: 17
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0009-3920
EISSN: N/A
The Gap between Spanish Speakers' Word Reading and Word Knowledge: A Longitudinal Study
Mancilla-Martinez, Jeannette; Lesaux, Nonie K.
Child Development, v82 n5 p1544-1560 Sep-Oct 2011
This longitudinal study modeled growth rates, from ages 4.5 to 11, in English and Spanish oral language and word reading skills among 173 Spanish-speaking children from low-income households. Individual growth modeling was employed using scores from standardized measures of word reading, expressive vocabulary, and verbal short-term language memory. The trajectories demonstrate that students' rates of growth and overall ability in word reading were on par with national norms. In contrast, students' oral language skills started out below national norms and their rates of growth, although surpassing the national rates, were not sufficient to reach age-appropriate levels. The results underscore the need for increased and sustained attention to promoting this population's language development.
Descriptors: Oral Language, National Norms, Reading Skills, Language Skills, Spanish Speaking, Language Acquisition, Beginning Reading, Longitudinal Studies, English (Second Language), Second Language Learning, Low Income, Scores, Standardized Tests, Expressive Language, Vocabulary, Verbal Ability, Short Term Memory
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
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