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Article
Attendance, Performance and the Acquisition of Early Literacy Skills: A Comparison of Indigenous and Non-Indigenous School Children
Australian Journal of Learning Difficulties
  • John Ehrich, Central Queensland University
  • Jennifer R. Wolgemuth, Charles Darwin University
  • Janet Helmer, Charles Darwin University
  • Georges Oteng, Charles Darwin University
  • Tess Lea, Charles Darwin University
  • Claire Bartlett, Charles Darwin University
  • Heather Smith, Charles Darwin University
  • Sue Emmett, Charles Darwin University
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
1-1-2010
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
https://doi.org/10.1080/19404150903524580
Abstract

As part of an evaluation of a web-based early literacy intervention, ABRACADABRA, a small exploratory study was conducted over one term in three primary schools in the Northern Territory. Of particular concern was the relationship between attendance and the acquisition of early literacy skills of Indigenous and non-Indigenous children. Using the GRADE literacy assessment, it was found that students made significant gains in a number of early literacy skills (e.g. phonological awareness skills and vocabulary processing). Classroom attendance was strongly and positively correlated with the acquisition of phonological awareness skills and early literacy skills (e.g. letter recognition, word identification processing). Indigenous children attended class significantly less frequently than non-Indigenous children and performed significantly worse overall, particularly with regard to phonological processing tasks. In light of these findings, it is suggested irregular attendance contributed to the Indigenous students' lowered literacy acquisition.

Citation / Publisher Attribution

Australian Journal of Learning Difficulties, v. 15, issue 2, p. 131-149

Citation Information
John Ehrich, Jennifer R. Wolgemuth, Janet Helmer, Georges Oteng, et al.. "Attendance, Performance and the Acquisition of Early Literacy Skills: A Comparison of Indigenous and Non-Indigenous School Children" Australian Journal of Learning Difficulties Vol. 15 Iss. 2 (2010) p. 131 - 149
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/jennifer-wolgemuth/8/