Individualizing student instruction precisely: Effects of child × instruction interactions on first graders' literacy development

Carol McDonald Connor, Shayne B. Piasta, Barry Fishman, Stephanie Glasney, Christopher Schatschneider, Elizabeth Crowe, Phyllis Underwood, Frederick J. Morrison

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

238 Scopus citations

Abstract

Recent findings demonstrate that the most effective reading instruction may vary with children's language and literacy skills. These Child × Instruction interactions imply that individualizing instruction would be a potent strategy for improving students' literacy. A cluster-randomized control field trial, conducted in 10 high-moderate poverty schools, examined effects of individualizing literacy instruction. The instruction each first grader received (n = 461 in 47 classrooms, mean age = 6.7 years) during fall, winter, and spring was recorded. Comparing intervention-recommended amounts of instruction with observed amounts revealed that intervention teachers individualized instruction more precisely than did comparison teachers. Importantly, the more precisely the children received recommended amounts of instruction, the stronger was their literacy skill growth. Results provide strong evidence of Child × Instruction interaction effects on literacy outcomes.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)77-100
Number of pages24
JournalChild development
Volume80
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 2009
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Pediatrics, Perinatology, and Child Health
  • Education
  • Developmental and Educational Psychology

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Individualizing student instruction precisely: Effects of child × instruction interactions on first graders' literacy development'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this