Connecting the Dots: From Teachers’ Perceived Ability to Teach Reading and Their Knowledge of Language and Literacy Concepts to Students’ Reading Growth

The purpose of this study was two-fold: (a) to examine the joint contribution of teachers' knowledge of foundational language and literacy concepts and their perceived ability to teach reading to their students' reading growth, and (b) to examine whether the effects of these factors were mediated by teachers' perceived ability to differentiate instruction. A total of 32 language arts teachers and their 582 Grade 3 to 9 students (48% female) participated in the study. Teachers completed a survey on their knowledge of phonological awareness, phonics and morphology, and also rated their ability to teach different reading skills and to differentiate reading instruction. Children were assessed at the beginning and end of the school year on the Test of Word Reading Efficiency-2 and on the Test of Silent Reading Efficiency and Comprehension. Results of multilevel modeling indicated that teachers' knowledge had a direct effect on students' performance at the end of the school year, even after controlling for students' earlier reading ability. Teachers' perceived ability did not predict students' reading growth either directly or indirectly. Taken together, these findings suggest that we need to invest in increasing teachers' knowledge around foundational literacy skills.