Are the Reading Rich Getting Richer? Testing for the Presence of the Matthew Effect

Abstract

The Matthew effect, where good readers get increasingly better over time compared to relatively lower-ability readers, is an often cited phenomenon in reading research. However, researchers have not always found empirical evidence supporting a Matthew effect. We used hierarchical growth curve modeling to test for the presence of the Matthew effect using a longitudinal sample of 1,573 children in high-poverty, low-performing schools. Our results failed to support the presence of a Matthew effect, but instead we found a compensatory growth trajectory whereby reading achievement gaps closed over time. We discuss several possible explanations for the growth patterns.

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