ERIC Number: EJ1103062
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2016-Jun
Pages: 14
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1045-3830
EISSN: N/A
Demography and Early Academic Skills of Students from Immigrant Families: The Kindergarten Class of 2011
Sullivan, Amanda L.; Houri, Alaa; Sadeh, Shanna
School Psychology Quarterly, v31 n2 p149-162 Jun 2016
Children from immigrant families are one of the fastest growing and most diverse groups in America's schools. This study provides a demographic portrait of immigrant children who entered kindergarten in 2010 and describes patterns and predictors of early educational outcomes of students from immigrant families. A nationally representative sample of 13,530 students who participated in the Early Childhood Longitudinal Study-Kindergarten Class of 2010-11 was analyzed. Descriptive statistics were used to estimate the sociodemographic characteristics of this population. Regression was used to examine the relations between nativity, child characteristics, and family characteristics to reading and mathematics skills in kindergarten. Approximately 27% of kindergartners in the class of 2011 came from immigrant families. These students were more racially, linguistically, and socioeconomically diverse than students from U.S.-born parents. Educational outcomes varied by parents' region of origin. Children's early academic skills were significantly related to parent's region of origin, but these relations were attenuated when child health, language, family structure, and socioeconomic status were accounted for. These results indicate the importance of considering parent nativity when examining the outcomes and needs of students from immigrant families. Because of the diversity of characteristics and outcomes of children of immigrants, researchers should consider the implications of nativity for students' experiences and needs.
Descriptors: Elementary School Students, Children, Kindergarten, Immigrants, Demography, Academic Ability, Longitudinal Studies, Surveys, Early Childhood Education, Outcomes of Education, Regression (Statistics), Student Characteristics, Family Characteristics, Reading Skills, Mathematics Skills, Academic Achievement, Geographic Regions, Child Health, Languages, Family Structure, Socioeconomic Status, Item Response Theory, Measures (Individuals), Scores, National Competency Tests, School Holding Power, Predictor Variables, Student Needs
American Psychological Association. Journals Department, 750 First Street NE, Washington, DC 20002. Tel: 800-374-2721; Tel: 202-336-5510; Fax: 202-336-5502; e-mail: order@apa.org; Web site: http://www.apa.org
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Elementary Education; Kindergarten; Primary Education; Early Childhood Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Assessments and Surveys: Early Childhood Longitudinal Survey; National Assessment of Educational Progress
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A