Early Math Skill as a Predictor for Foundational Literacy

This study examined the validity of early math skills as predictors of literacy skills. Data was collected from students using a home-based kindergarten readiness program. Performance on math domain metrics within a kindergarten readiness program was used to generate models predicting scores and grade equivalence on an end of year literacy assessment. Scores on math strands were highly correlated with later reading performance. Performance on math and science metrics were also valid predictors for students reaching literacy benchmarks. This study highlights the interdependence of learning domains while noting areas, such as language concepts, where math performance is a comparatively poor predictor.