Janet A. Welsh|Robert L. Nix|Clancy Blair|Karen L. Bierman|Keith E. Nelson
The development of cognitive skills and gains in academic school readiness for children from low-income families.
study examined developmental associations growth domaingeneral cognitive processes working memory attention control growth domainspecific skills emergent literacy numeracy across prekindergarten year relative contributions kindergarten reading math achievement one hundred sixtyfour head start children 44 african american latino 57 female followed longitudinally path analyses revealed working memory attention control predicted growth emergent literacy numeracy skills prekindergarten year furthermore growth domaingeneral cognitive skills made unique contributions prediction kindergarten math reading achievement controlling growth domainspecific skills findings extend research highlighting importance working memory attention control academic learning demonstrating effects early childhood prior school entry discuss implications findings prekindergarten programs particularly designed reduce school readiness gaps associated socioeconomic disadvantage