Francesca Giambona|Mariano Porcu
Student background determinants of reading achievement in Italy. A quantile regression analysis
University of Cagliari|University of Cagliari
recent years determinants students achievement received much attention empirical studies found students characteristics family background school attended regional residence major factors affecting student performance paper analyze 2009 oecdpisa spell pisa survey examine individual background characteristics influencing reading achievement italian 15 yearsold students using quantile regression qr approach qr approach allows researchers analyze changes size direction predictor estimates student performance across entire distribution reading achievement scores results indicate significant effects predictors reading achievement operating differently across quantiles suggesting different pathways achievement low high performing readers particular family background predictors parental education computer availability home availability desk homework home school program attended region student residence play important differing role low high performing readers example parental education shows positive effect student reading academic general programs perform better vocational technical northern regions perform better centersouthern ones differentiated effects along distribution students reading scores findings carefully considered policymakers outlining strategies enhance student performance levels along reading continuum low high scores