We analyze longitudinal data on early childhood cognitive abilities and student achievement in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9.
We examine the influence of socioeconomic, demographic, non-cognitive and cognitive factors.
Much of the effects of socioeconomic and demographic factors on student achievement can be attributed to early childhood cognitive abilities and prior general achievement. Notable exceptions are gender and language background effects.
Of the non-cognitive attributes examined only persistence has moderate effects.