Kindergartners benefit from exposure to advanced content in reading and mathematics

Little research has examined the relationship between academic content coverage in kindergarten and student achievement. Using nationally representative data, this study examines the association between reading and mathematics content coverage in kindergarten and student learning, both overall and for students who attended preschool, Head Start, or participated in other child care prior to kindergarten entry.

Key Findings:

- Students do not benefit from basic content coverage.
- All children benefit from exposure to advanced content in reading and mathematics.
- This is true regardless of whether they attended preschool, began kindergarten with more advanced skills, or are from families with low income.