CFS100 - NS Ch.5

The Search for Intelligent Life in Kindergarten

What is the myth described?

• “Early intelligence tests are accurate predictors of future academic success & giftedness”

  • This leads to critical decisions about a child's future being made based on a single, early test result

Dr. Suen’s Study

• Analyzed 44 studies that looked at how well intelligence tests given before kindergarten predicted later academic success

• Results:

  • Correlation between early IQ scores & later achievement was low (0.40)

Dr. Tsushima's Study

• Analyzed results of intelligence tests for children at 2 private schools in Hawaii & compared scores to later academic performance

• Results:

  • Correlation was very low (0.26 for reading & even worse for math)

Dr. Duncan’s Study

• Analyzed data from 34,000 children, looking at correlation between early IQ scores & later achievement, along w/ other behavioral traits (attention & social skills)

• Results:

  • Early IQ scores had a weak correlation (0.40) to later academic success

  • Social skills & behavioral ratings had even weaker correlations

Dr. Haier’s Study

• Examined the variability of IQ scores in children & how brain development affects intelligence over time

• Results:

  • Intelligence is highly variable in young children

  • The process of cognitive development continues through adolescence

  • A single IQ test at age five is not a reliable predictor of long-term academic success because children’s brains are still developing

Other Major Findings

• Many children considered gifted early by these tests do not remain at the top academically in later years

• The brain continues to develop, especially in the prefrontal cortex, & affects intelligence later on

Recommendations:

• Test children later (by the end of 2nd grade) to account for developmental variability & cognitive growth

• Retesting/secondary testing to ensure that children who may develop later aren't left out

• Don’t make life-altering decisions about a child’s educational path based on a single early test result

  • Focus on growth & development over time