Learning outcomes of children with teacher-identified emerging health and developmental needs

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: Children's additional health and developmental needs are often first identified by teachers when they begin school. This study estimates the Grade 3 literacy and numeracy outcomes of children with teacher-identified additional needs emerging in the first year of school, including the added burden conferred by socioeconomic disadvantage. METHODS: Population linked data (N=42,619) was analysed from the Australian Early Development Census, which includes teacher reports on children's health and development at school entry, and the National Assessment Program - Literacy and Numeracy, a direct assessment of reading and numeracy skills at Grade 3. Linear regression analyses were used t..