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Long-term Effects of Phonics Approaches to the Development of Reading Skills

Author

Listed:
  • Elbro, Carsten

    (University of Copenhagen)

  • Kristensen, Nicolai

    (VIVE - The Danish Centre for Applied Social Science)

  • Skov, Peter Rohde

    (Rockwool Foundation Intervention Unit)

Abstract

Many studies have documented that a phonics approach is an essential component in the teaching of reading for beginning readers, especially for students at risk of reading disabilities. We study whether phonics approaches, as indicated by the choice of basal readers (materials for the initial teaching of reading) in Grade 1, have long-term effects on adult education levels and labour market outcomes 23 years later. The study shows evidence of a causal link between the choice of basal reader in primary school and school results at the end of lower secondary school as well as labour market outcomes at age 30. Choosing a basal reader that is easily compatible with a phonics approach is a highly cost-effective policy choice.

Suggested Citation

  • Elbro, Carsten & Kristensen, Nicolai & Skov, Peter Rohde, 2025. "Long-term Effects of Phonics Approaches to the Development of Reading Skills," IZA Discussion Papers 17815, Institute of Labor Economics (IZA).
    • Handle: RePEc:iza:izadps:dp17815
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    long-term outcomes; basal reader; reading;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • H52 - Public Economics - - National Government Expenditures and Related Policies - - - Government Expenditures and Education
    • I28 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - Government Policy
    • I38 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Welfare, Well-Being, and Poverty - - - Government Programs; Provision and Effects of Welfare Programs
    • J13 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Fertility; Family Planning; Child Care; Children; Youth

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