Working memory and recollection contribute to academic achievement

• We examine memory processes and academic achievement.
• Multiple memory processes contributed uniquely to achievement.
• Working memory predicted math and reading performance on all tasks.
• Recollection predicted math and reading performance.

The contributions of working memory and recollection to academic achievement are typically examined separately and most often with children who have learning difficulties. This study is the first to observe both types of memory in the same study and in typically developing children. Academic achievement focused on standardized assessments of math fluency, calculation, reading fluency, and passage comprehension. As noted in previous studies, working memory was associated with each assessed measure of academic achievement. Recollection, however, specifically contributed to math fluency and passage comprehension. Thus, recollection should be considered alongside working memory in studies of academic achievement.