Reading achievement diferences between boys and girls in Primary School Fourth Grade

Abstract

This research investigates whether there are differences between girls and boys in fourth grade reading achievement. The data used is PIRLS 2011 (IEA) and multivariate techniques in which social background are taken into account , the month of birth, the mother employment status, family educational practices of the pre-schooling, the reading interests of children and teaching methods developed by the teachers.

We conclude that there is a little difference due to the positive effect of the mother employment status on the performance of hers daughters, but no hers sons. Therefore, in fourth grade, the little reading differences are due to social factors.