Tyler Sasser|Karen L. Bierman|Brenda S. Heinrichs
Executive functioning and school adjustment: The mediational role of pre-kindergarten learning-related behaviors
Pennsylvania State University|Pennsylvania State University|Pennsylvania State University
longitudinal study tested roles prekindergarten executive function ef learningrelated behaviors predictors level rate growth childrens academic performance social adjustment kindergarten third grade growth curve models used estimate direct pathways ef trajectories academic skill development math reading overall academic functioning socialemotional adjustment social competence aggression controlling child gender race verbal iq prekindergarten baseline scores addition indirect pathways explored association prekindergarten ef elementary school adjustment mediated learningrelated behaviors prekindergarten ef directly predicted level rate growth later math skills level teacherrated academic functioning prekindergarten learningrelated behaviors directly predicted level rate growth later reading skills level teacherrated social competence aggression addition prekindergarten ef indirectly promoted later reading skills social competence reduced aggression via association learningrelated behaviors findings present study suggest parallel focus ef learningrelated behaviors warranted efforts promote school readiness adjustment