Van huis uit meegekregen De invloed van risicofactoren uit de gezinssituatie op de rekenprestaties van basisschoolleerlingen

Abstract

Background. Math skills are a strong predictor of school career and subsequent employment opportunities. The aim of this research is to gain insight into the predictive value of risk factors in the family environment on the math skills of 4 to 5 years old. In addition, it is examined to what extent the socio-economic status (SES) of a family influences the relationship between risk factors and math skills. Method. 230 children took part, who were enrolled in group 1 of regular primary education. In the middle and end of group 1, Cito's Arithmetic-Mathematics test was administered to these children. Questionnaires were administered to the teachers of these children. The family risk factors are measured by a risk index, based on of the results of questionnaires. The various relationships were investigated by means of a (hierarchical multiple) regression analysis. Results. Family risk factors are marginally significantly associated with (low) math skills in middle group 1, but not with end group 1. The math skills acquired earlier predict the math skills of the end of grade 1. There is no influence of socio-economic status (SES) on the relationship between risk factors and math skills, but the SES does have a positive predictive value for math skills. Conclusion. The family risk factors are not a significant predictor of the math skills of a grade 1 primary school child, with SES as a non-significant moderator. The math skills obtained earlier, and the SES are on the other hand strong predictors of the math skills of children in group 1 of primary school. Knowledge about the factors influencing math skills is important for anticipating the future of children.