Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 13, 2026

Universal Screening for Prevention of Reading, Writing, and Math Disabilities in Spanish
Published on: July 18, 2020
Do preschool special education services make a difference in kindergarten reading and mathematics skills?: A
Amanda L Sullivan1, Samuel Field
1Department of Educational Psychology and Special Education, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA. asulliva@umn.edu
Abstract:
The purpose of this study was to examine the average treatment effect of preschool special education services on children's kindergarten academic skills. Using data from a nationally representative sample of United States children who participated in the Early Childhood Longitudinal Study-Birth Cohort, we examined the effectiveness of preschool special education services by comparing reading and math outcomes for children who received special education services at preschool-age to a propensity-score-weighted sample of children who did not receive these services. Results indicated that the receipt of these special education services had a statistically significant moderate negative effect on children's kindergarten skills in both reading (d=-0.21) and mathematics (d=-0.29). These findings have implications for the implementation and evaluation of services for young children experiencing developmental delays or disabilities.
Related Concept Videos
Regression Toward the Mean
Environmental Influences on Intelligence
Information Processing Approach
Statistical Significance
Sign Test for Matched Pairs
To conduct the sign test, we first calculate the differences in value between...
Autism Spectrum Disorder
These core symptoms manifest differently among individuals, ranging from mild to severe. The disorder's complexity extends beyond its clinical presentation, encompassing a diverse range of biological, cognitive, and sociocultural influences.

