Prediction of reading by Ga and Gc specific cognitive abilities for low-SES White and Hispanic English-speaking children

Based on previous findings (McGrew, Flanagan, Keith, & Vanderwood, 1997) th at auditory processing (Ga) predicts reading decoding, and crystallized int elligence (Gc) predicts reading comprehension beyond the prediction of read ing by g (broad general intelligence), this study examined the cross-ethnic predictive validity of Ga and Gc for reading achievement among low-SES Eng lish-speaking White and Hispanic students. Subtests of the Woodcock-Johnson Psyche-Educational Battery-Revised (WJ-R) cognitive subtests were used to measure Ga and Gc, and the WJ-R achievement subtests were used to measure b asic reading skills and reading comprehension. Results indicated that there are no differences between ethnic groups in the prediction of reading abil ity, and that phonetic coding and crystallized intelligence together are st rong predictors of reading achievement. (C) 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.