ERIC Number: EJ1373743
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2023-Apr
Pages: 26
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0022-0663
EISSN: EISSN-1939-2176
Available Date: N/A
Stability of Learning Disabilities, Cognitive Growth, and L1 in English Learners: A Latent Class and Transition Analysis
Swanson, H. Lee; Kong, Jennifer; Petcu, Stefania D.
Journal of Educational Psychology, v115 n3 p379-404 Apr 2023
This study investigated the stability of latent classes of students with learning disabilities among a heterogeneous sample of elementary-aged children whose first language is Spanish. To this end, children (N = 284) in Grades 1, 2, and 3 at Wave 1 (Year 1) were administered a battery of vocabulary, reading, math, and cognitive measures (short-term memory, working memory, rapid naming, inhibition) in both Spanish (L1) and English (L2). These same measures were administered 1 and 2 years later (Wave 2 and 3). Two stable latent classes of children at risk for learning disabilities (children with comorbid difficulties and children with high order difficulties) emerged that were distinct from two latent classes (balanced bilinguals, unbalanced bilinguals) of average achievers who varied in second language acquisition. Further, significant growth parameters that uniquely predicted the log-odds identifying latent classes across all status groups were measures of working memory. Finally, the significant contributions of L2 cognitive measures to latent class status were dependent on L1 cognitive performance. The results suggest that statistically distinct and stable latent classes of children with learning disabilities emerge under the umbrella of English language learners and that growth in the executive processes of working memory and first language cognitive performance play an important role in predictions of latent class status.
Descriptors: Learning Disabilities, Students with Disabilities, English (Second Language), Spanish Speaking, Elementary School Students, Grade 1, Grade 2, Grade 3, Vocabulary, Reading Achievement, Mathematics Achievement, Short Term Memory, Naming, Inhibition, At Risk Students, Language Acquisition, English Language Learners, Verbal Ability, Language Proficiency, Second Language Learning
American Psychological Association. Journals Department, 750 First Street NE, Washington, DC 20002. Tel: 800-374-2721; Tel: 202-336-5510; Fax: 202-336-5502; e-mail: order@apa.org; Web site: http://www.apa.org
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Elementary Education; Early Childhood Education; Grade 1; Primary Education; Grade 2; Grade 3
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: National Science Foundation (NSF), Division of Research on Learning in Formal and Informal Settings (DRL)
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Assessments and Surveys: Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test; Expressive One Word Picture Vocabulary Test; Woodcock Johnson Tests of Achievement; Woodcock Munoz Language Survey; Raven Progressive Matrices; Conners Teacher Rating Scale; Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children
Grant or Contract Numbers: 1660828
Author Affiliations: N/A