Yair Cohen, Elsa-Sofia Morote

(Dowling College, USA)

 

 

Abstract: The researchers used structural equation modeling (SEM) to create a model to predict fourth-grade student achievement in English Language Arts (ELA) by exploring the relationships among: student, household, school, and teacher factors. Public data from the New York State Education Department (NYSED) 2012-2013 school report card data, NYSED fiscal reporting system, Census 2010 School District Demographics System, and 2011 Civil Right Data Collection were used from 1,263 schools in New York excluding New York City. Variables were chosen using this convenient sample and supported by our conceptual rationale. The model predicted fourth-grade ELA achievement with 73 percent of effect size. Household factors had strong predictive value for student achievement. School attendance rate and instructional expenditure per student had medium predictive value for student achievement.

 

 

Key words: Achievement; family structure; socio economic status; ELA; teacher’s education; path analysis;

SEM

 

JEL codes: A, C