Differences in academic achievement and academic self-concept based on intellectual ability, grade retention, and special education status

There are a variety of factors that may impact a child's ability to perform academically and to develop a strong academic self-concept. This study looked at how intellectual ability, grade retention, and special education placement impact academic achievement and academic self-concept. Students with borderline intellectual ability (IQ between 70 and 85) referred for special education assessment and referred students with an average intellectual ability (IQ between 90 and 110) were administered the Multidimensional Self-Concept Scale (MSCS: Bracken, 1992) and the Basic Achievement Skills Inventory (BASI, 2004) in random order. Student records were used to obtain grade retention and special education information. Pearson correlation and multiple Independent Samples T-Tests were run to analyze the impact of IQ, Special Education placement, and grade retention on academic achievement and academic self-concept. Limitations of the current study and implications for future research will be discussed.