Numeracy Achievement Research Articles

Metacognition as a mediator of the relation between family SES and language and mathematical abilities in preschoolers

The effect of family socioeconomic status (SES) on academic achievement in literacy and numeracy has been extensively studied with educational inequalities already witnessed in preschoolers. This is presumably explained by the effect of family SES on cognitive and socioemotional abilities associated with academic achievement. Metacognition which refers to knowledge and regulation skills involving reflexivity about one's own cognitive processes is one of these abilities. However, most of the studies investigating the association between metacognition and academic achievement have focused on school-aged students and studies with younger students are only emerging. Meanwhile, the association between family SES and metacognition abilities has surprisingly received little attention regardless of participants’ age. The aim of this study was to explore the associations between family SES, metacognition, language and mathematical abilities in preschoolers aged 5 to 6. We provide the first evidence that the effect of family SES on preschoolers’ language and mathematical abilities is mediated by the effect of family SES on their metacognitive abilities. The implications for future research, education and policies aiming at reducing educational inequalities are discussed.

Realistic mathematics education (RME) to improve literacy and numeracy skills of elementary school students based on teachers’ experience

Literacy and numeracy are the abilities of students to use basic mathematics in solving daily life problems, and students should have it. Various studies have shown that Indonesian students' literacy and numeracy skills still need to improve. One of the solutions to this problem is RME, and one of the components that influence this skill is teachers as a facilitator and their experiences. Thus, this research aims to refigure how students who receive Realistic Mathematics Education (RME) literacy and numeracy skills improve based on teacher's experiences. The research subjects are third, fourth, and fifth-grade students in elementary schools in Padang. Three schools were selected for each grade level and taught by three teachers with different experiences. The students were given literacy and numeracy problems before and after RME instruction. The answers were assessed and grouped to examine the student's literacy and numeracy achievement. The research results show that student's literacy and numeracy skills are better with RME learning. Student's literacy and numeracy skills are not influenced by teachers' experience.

Relationships Between Children’s Literacy Comprehension and Their Achievement in Numeracy and Ethno-Math at Lower Primary Schools in Uganda

The article examined the relationships between children’s literacy comprehension and their competence/achievement in numeracy and Ethno-math at lower primary schools in Uganda using the UWEZO UGANDA (2021) secondary dataset collected by a cross-sectional survey design from a sample of 14,553 pupils. The quantitative data were analyzed using Pearson Product Moment of correlation coefficient and regression analyses to establish the relationship between children’s literacy comprehension and their competencies in numeracy/ethno-math. Findings showed that there was a statistically significant relationship (r = 0.539, p < 0.001) between letter recitation and number recognition, literacy level in English and numeracy level (r = 0.768, p < 0.001), numeracy level and ethno-math (r = −0.612). Although findings show a positive relationship between letter recitation and number recognition, literacy level in English, and numeracy level, there is a negative relationship between numeracy level and ethno-math. The study concluded that children’s ability to recite letters positively influences their ability to recognize numbers. Furthermore, children’s ability in literacy comprehension positively influences their abilities in carrying out numeracy. It was also concluded that children’s ability to work out ethno-math does not necessarily mean their ability to carry out numeracy.

Remedial Teachers’ Needs for Developing New Basic Numeracy Teaching Aids: A Needs Analysis

Appropriate teaching aids can assist remedial pupils in mastering basic numeracy skills effectively. However, issues persist of remedial pupils struggling to grasp basic numeracy skills, potentially due to the lack of suitable teaching aids tailored for Malaysia’s Special Remedial Programme. Thus, this quantitative study aimed to identify remedial teachers' needs for developing new basic numeracy teaching aids in the Special Remedial Programme. This study adapted McKillip's Discrepancy Model to guide the needs analysis. A quantitative survey methodology was used with 143 remedial teachers respondents in Melaka state, Malaysia. A validated questionnaire measured the levels and discrepancies in remedial teachers’ utilisation, perceptions, constraints, and skills regarding proposed basic numeracy teaching aids by the Ministry of Education Malaysia. Descriptive statistics were calculated. Findings showed moderate utilisation, high positive perception, moderate constraints, and high skills levels in using existing basic numeracy teaching aids. Discrepancies were identified in each construct, indicating the need for improvements tailored for better remedial learning. The results suggest modifying and developing new basic numeracy teaching aids that meet remedial pupils’ learning characteristics, fostering their creative thinking, facilitating self-directed learning activities, improving time efficiency in teaching and learning mathematics, providing various customisable teaching aid templates that are easy to reproduce with affordable everyday materials, and developing user-friendly technology teaching aids. Addressing these needs can enhance remedial teaching practices and pupils’ numeracy achievement. This study provides an important initial evidence base for designing and developing appropriate basic numeracy teaching aids based on remedial teachers’ current needs.

THE LITERACY AND NUMERACY ABILITY PROFILE WHICH ARE VIEWED FROM MINIMUM ASSESSMENT COMPONENTS (AKM)

Literacy and numeracy skills are cognitive learning outcomes measured in the Minimum Competency Assessment (AKM) and are part of the National Assessment (AN). This study aims to describe the literacy and numeracy achievement profile of junior high school students in terms of three aspects, namely content, cognitive processes, and context The descriptive quantitative approach method used in this research involved 141 class VIII junior high school students in North Aceh Regency and Lhokseumawe City through random sampling. Respondents are participants who took part in the 2021 National Assessment. The research instrument used was a question on literacy with 26 questions and numeracy with as many as 30 questions according to the grid and aspects of the AN that had been validated. The context of the questions is arranged in the form of personal, socio-cultural, and scientific. The distribution of the questions is in the form of 20% multiple-choice, 60% complex multiple-choice, 10% matching, 5% short answer or short answer, and 5% description. The results showedthe average percentage score of literacy ability was 43.87% with low criteria, meanwhile for numeracy skills, the average percentage score was 33.91% with very low criteria. These results indicate that students' literacy and numeracy skills in terms of each content need to be improved through the implementation of learning programs and the use of textbooks that lead to the improvement and development of literacy and numeracy skills.

Curriculum That is Not Yet Independent

The "kurikulum merdeka" and “asesmen nasional” are part of the "merdeka belajar" policy that has been gradually implemented since 2020. In terms of implementation, the readiness of regions and schools varies, as experienced in the Mentawai Islands Regency. The author is interested in examining the reality and challenges of implementing this policy. The focus of this article is, first, to describe the potential of education starting from schools, students, teacher competencies, and the allocation of education budgets. Second, to describe the results of the implementation of the "Merdeka Curriculum" and the national assessment in all elementary schools in the Mentawai Islands Regency. The method used is a literature review, with secondary data sourced from journals, books, regional education reports, and the county's educational reports. The results found are as follows: 40 elementary school students have dropped out, out of 1,322 elementary school educators, only 19.1% are certified, and 80.9% are not certified. Teachers with qualifications appropriate for their roles make up 89.4%, while those not meeting the qualifications account for 10.6%. In 2022, the county government allocated a budget of Rp 716.6 billion from the APBD for the education sector. The readiness level for the implementation of the "Merdeka Curriculum" includes 97 schools that are “mandiri belajar,” 16 schools that have “mandiri berubah”, and no schools currently “mandiri berbagi.” The student literacy achievement is the lowest in the entire Sumatera Barat region, ranking 17th out of 19 cities/counties in Sumatera Barat for numeracy achievement, while student character development achievement is still at an early stage. These conditions indicate that education and the curriculum in the Mentawai Islands Regency are not fully independent.

What explains early numeracy achievement: A comparison of South Africa and China

Mathematics is pivotal in the contemporary technology-driven world. However, poor mathematical performance continues to be a concern in many countries. Guided by Mathematics in a Cultural Context (MCC) framework, this article investigates the similarities, differences, and potential reasons behind early numeracy achievement in South Africa and China. Applying a qualitative research approach, selected teachers, parents, and government officials in the two countries were interviewed for their views on the cultural context and pedagogical practices that potentially impact mathematics teaching and learning. The findings confirmed the multifaceted and interconnected nature of mathematics teaching and learning. However, the findings raise questions about the efficacy of certain practices on mathematics learning and achievement, including the teaching approach, the value of different kinds of motivations, and methods to inspire motivation. This finding suggests the importance of practicing key mathematics concepts in building a solid foundation and confidence in mathematics.

The influence of students’ prior numeracy achievement on later numeracy achievement as a function of gender and year levels

AbstractStudents’ prior achievements in school have significant correlations with their later achievements. Specifically, students’ prior numeracy achievement is the most important predictor of later numeracy success. However, the assessment of this predictor across gender and its trend across students’ year levels is often overlooked or not adequately investigated. This study examined the relationships between prior numeracy achievement and its influence on students’ later numeracy achievement across gender. A focus on students’ year level also supported this examination. The data source was the Australian National Assessment Program—Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) numeracy results of Years 5, 7 and 9 students (ages 9 to 14) from the 2017 to 2021 test years. The NAPLAN numeracy scores were analysed using regression analysis. The author examined prior numeracy achievement to determine the predictive value for students’ numeracy performance in NAPLAN across students’ year levels and gender. Findings from this study indicate that prior NAPLAN numeracy results for students were found to be very large in its predictive value (between R2 = .591 and .747) across the year levels. Notably, the predictive value showed an increasing pattern as students progressed through their academic years. Additionally, the study observed a discernible influence of gender on the predictive value of prior numeracy results. Potential initiatives to assist the educational outcomes of students across gender are discussed. Awareness of the influence of numeracy performance across gender might help teachers and educators create better and more efficient mathematics programs and targeted interventions. Such a decision requires identifying the relevant factors and measuring their degree of influence across students’ year levels and gender.

Enhancing numeracy instruction through games in pre-primary classrooms

The enormous importance of numeracy skill to pre-elementary children has tasked teachers with the burden of imparting the skill in an effective manner. Despite the fact that literature has documented the effectiveness of games approach in children instruction, to some, use of game is disruptive to actual learning. This necessitates more experimental studies to further clear ambiguities about the use of games in pre-primary classrooms. This study examined the impact of games on pre-primary children’s interest and performance in numeracy. A pretest-posttest, control group, quasi-experimental was adopted. Fifty Nursery Two pupils were randomly assigned to treatment and control groups. The instruments used were Pre-primary Children’s Numeracy Achievement Test (r=0.86) and Pupils’ Interest in Numeracy Scale (r=0.81). The data collected were analyzed using Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA) and Scheffe’s Post Hoc Pairwise Comparison. Results indicated that games method was effective on pre-primary children’s learning of numeracy (F (1, 42) = 373.502; P < 0.05) and also increased their interest in numeracy instruction (F (1, 42) = 9.773; P < 0.05). Based on these findings, recommendations were made that teachers, parents and curriculum developers should encourage the use of games method to improve numeracy instruction among pre-primary education.

Gender differences in reading and numeracy achievement across the school years

Developing students’ reading and numeracy skills remain key goals of contemporary schooling. In Australia, the National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) tests have assessed these skills since 2008. Previous research found a significant gender gap in favour of females for the NAPLAN writing test, yet no study has examined whether gender gaps exist for reading and numeracy or their developmental pattern across the school years. Given the educational and public interest in NAPLAN and its considerable costs, it is important to understand what these tests reveal about student outcomes. The paper presents the first investigation of patterns of male and female student achievement on the NAPLAN reading and numeracy tests from 2008 to 2021. It applies the equivalent year level technique to explain the pedagogical significance of NAPLAN achievement and compares the findings with the writing gender gap to present a fuller picture of male and female achievement.

Effectiveness of a numeracy intelligent tutoring system in kindergarten: A conceptual replication

Intelligent Tutoring Systems are a genre of highly adaptive software providing individualized instruction. The current study was a conceptual replication of a previous randomized control trial that incorporated the intelligent tutoring system Native Numbers, a program designed for early numeracy instruction. As a conceptual replication, we kept the method of instruction, the demographics, the number of kindergarten classrooms (n = 3), and the same numeracy and intrinsic motivation screeners as the original study. We changed the time of year of instruction, changed the control group to a wait-control group, added a maintenance assessment for the first group of participants, and included a mathematical language assessment. Analysis of within- and between-group differences using repeated measures ANOVA indicated gains of numeracy were significant only after using Native Numbers (Partial Eta Square = 0.147). Results of intrinsic motivation and mathematical language were not significant. The effect size of numeracy achievement did not reach that of the original study (Partial Eta Square = 0.622). Here, we compared the two studies, discussed plausible reasons for differences in the magnitude of effect sizes, and provided suggestions for future research.

Special health care needs during childhood and academic achievement in secondary school.

Secondary education has lifelong implications for wellbeing. We evaluated associations between the duration and timing of special health care needs (SHCN) across childhood and academic achievement in secondary school. Cohort design. The structured modelling approach was used to evaluate life-course models for associations between the duration and timing of SHCN (measured using a two-item SHCN screener across ages 4-5, 6-7, 8-9 and 10-11 years) and Grade 7 (median age 12.5 years) reading and numeracy achievement. Linear regressions were fitted for each life-course model: four critical period models (each including SHCN exposure in one period), one sensitive period model (including SHCN exposure in all periods) and two strict accumulation models (including the duration of SHCN exposure in linear form then categorical form). Interactions of SHCN with child sex and family socio-economic status (SES) were examined. Of 3734 children, 1845 were female. The number of children with SHCN was 434 (11.7%), 458 (12.9%), 534 (14.7%), 551 (15.4%) at 4-5, 6-7, 8-9 and 10-11 years respectively. For both outcomes, the linear strict accumulation model fitted best, and interactions of SHCN with sex and SES were non-significant. The average decrease in school achievement z score (95% confidence interval) per period of having SHCN was 0.04 (-0.07 to -0.02) for reading and 0.08 (-0.11 to -0.05) for numeracy. A longer duration of SHCN from age 4-11 years has small-sized cumulative associations with poorer Grade 7 reading and numeracy achievement. Each period of SHCN between 4 and 5 and 10-11 years was associated with nearly 0.05 and 0.1 of a standard deviation reduction in Grade 7 reading and numeracy scores respectively, and these associations did not appear to differ across sex or SES. These findings suggest that children with persistent SHCN are at risk of academic deficits and should receive focused interventions.

Children with Secondary Care Episodes for Otitis Media Have Poor Literacy and Numeracy Outcomes: A Data Linkage Study.

We examined the association between otitis media (OM) and educational attainment in a retrospective population cohort of Western Australian children who participated in the grade 3 National Assessment Program—Literacy and Numeracy in 2012 (N = 19,262). Literacy and numeracy scores were linked to administrative hospital and emergency department data to identify secondary care episodes for OM. Results of multivariate multilevel models showed that children with OM episodes had increased odds of poor performance on literacy and numeracy tests, compared to children without OM episodes (46–79% increase in odds for Aboriginal children; 20–31% increase in odds for non-Aboriginal children). There were no significant effects found for age at the first episode, nor for OM episode frequency (all ps > 0.05). Regardless of the timing or frequency of episodes, children with OM episodes are at risk of poor literacy and numeracy attainment. Aboriginal children with OM appeared to be particularly at risk of poor literacy and numeracy achievement. Intervention to reduce the prevalence of otitis media in young children, and early treatment of OM, are important for limiting the negative effects on academic outcomes.

Associations between meeting 24-hour movement guidelines and academic achievement in Australian primary school-aged children

BackgroundFew studies have investigated associations between academic achievement and meeting recommendations from the 24-hour (24-h) movement guidelines. The specific guidelines associated with the most benefit academic achievement are unknown. Utilizing both self-report and objective movement data, this study examined associations between academic achievement and meeting individual recommendations and combinations of recommendations from the 24-h movement guidelines (sleep, physical activity, and screen time). MethodsData from CheckPoint, a cross-sectional study nested between Waves 6 and 7 of the Longitudinal Study of Australian Children, were used. Movement behaviors were measured using 24-h wrist-worn accelerometry (GENEActiv (Activinsights, Kimbolton, UK)) and were self-reported by children using the Multimedia Activity Recall for Children and Adolescents. Academic achievement was measured using a nationally administered standardized test in literacy and numeracy. Analysis of covariance, with t tests with sequential Bonferroni adjustments, was used to compare academic achievement with all possible combinations of meeting recommendations, adjusting for demographic confounders. Two models were considered: guideline compliance assessed by self-report (n = 1270, mean age = 11.99 years, 52% males) and by accelerometry (for moderate-to-vigorous intensity physical activity (MVPA) and sleep)) and self-report (screen time) in combination (n = 927, mean age = 11.97 years, 52% males). ResultsLiteracy achievement significantly differed based on self-report (F(7, 1258) = 3.08, p = 0.003) and accelerometer derived (F(7, 915) = 2.40, p = 0.02) guideline compliance. Numeracy achievement significantly differed based on self-report (F(7, 1258) = 2.92, p = 0.005) but not accelerometer derived guideline compliance (F(7, 915) = 0.80, p = 0.58). When assessed by self-report, children who met all guidelines (t(334) = −4.05, p = 0.0001) or met the screen time and sleep guidelines in combination (t(125) = −5.02, p < 0.001) had superior literacy achievement. Meeting the self-report MVPA guideline in any combination was associated with higher numeracy scores (p < 0.05). Post-hoc analyses showed no differences in academic achievement for any category of accelerometer derived guideline compliance. ConclusionThe findings suggest that limiting recreational screen time is important for literacy achievement and that encouraging compliance with the MVPA guideline is important for numeracy achievement.

Trajectories of academic achievement for students with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder.

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is associated with negative social and occupational outcomes across the life course. However, there has been limited population-based research that quantifies the impact of ADHD on academic achievement and academic trajectories. To compare academic performance and academic trajectories of students with ADHD with students without a mental disorder. Data were drawn from Young Minds Matter, a national population-based sample of 6,310 Australian children and adolescents aged 4-17years. Using linked achievement test data, the academic performance and trajectories of 327 students with ADHD were compared with those of 3,916 students without a mental disorder. Survey data were combined with scores on national standardized tests for literacy and numeracy over an 8-year period. In Year 3, students with ADHD were on average 1year behind students with no mental disorder in reading and numeracy, and 9months behind in writing. In Year 9, the gaps were much larger with students with ADHD on average 2.5years behind in reading, 3years behind in numeracy, and 4.5years behind in writing. Students with ADHD have substantially lower achievement in reading, writing, and numeracy. Writing was the most adversely affected domain. For example, in Year 9 students with ADHD were on average writing at a Year 5 level. Children and adolescents with ADHD need substantial support to manage inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity. Skilled remediation in literacy and numeracy is required throughout all school years.

Socioeconomic Status During Childhood and Academic Achievement in Secondary School.

Secondary education has lifelong implications for well-being. We evaluated associations between the timing and duration of low socioeconomic status (SES) during childhood and academic achievement in secondary school. Cohort design. The structured modeling approach was used to evaluate life-course models for associations between the duration and timing of low SES (across ages 4-5, 6-7, 8-9, 10-11 years) and Grade 7 (median age 12.5 years) reading and numeracy achievement. Linear regressions were fitted for 4 critical period models (each including low SES at 1 age), 1 sensitive period model (including low SES at all ages), and 2 strict accumulation models (including low SES duration in linear/categorical form). Of 3734 children, 1718 (46.1%), 1749 (48.6%), 1797 (49.3%), and 1779 (49.8%) experienced low SES at 4 to 5, 6 to 7, 8 to 9, and 10 to 11 years, respectively. For reading, the sensitive period model fitted best. Reading z-score coefficients for low SES (reference: high SES) at 4 to 5, 6 to 7, 8 to 9, and 10 to 11 years were: -0.20, -0.18, -0.02, and -0.22. For numeracy, the categorical strict accumulation model, with SES-by-sex interaction, fitted best. Numeracy z-score coefficients for 1, 2, 3, and 4 periods of low SES (reference: 0 periods) were: -0.38, -0.42, -0.54, and -0.77 for boys, and -0.23, -0.34, -0.42, and -0.54 for girls. Low SES at all ages studied except 8 to 9 years has cumulative associations with poorer Grade 7 reading. Longer duration of low SES from 4 to 11 years is associated with poorer Grade 7 numeracy, with stronger associations for boys than girls. Academic interventions should be targeted toward children with persistently low SES.

Student achievement against national minimum standards for reading and numeracy in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9: A regression discontinuity analysis

AbstractLiteracy and numeracy are essential for success in life. In Australia, students’ academic achievement is monitored using the National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN). One of the aims of NAPLAN is that results will drive student improvement by identifying which students are underperforming against national minimum standards and who require additional learning support. This study investigated the performance trajectories of students who were identified as “below the national minimum standards”, relative to students above the national minimum standards. This study used standardised reading and numeracy test scores for Australian students and regression discontinuity methods to investigate whether students who performed below the national minimum standards showed improved performance in subsequent years compared with similar students above the national minimum standards threshold. On average, achievement gaps between students below the standards and students at or above the standards persisted across year levels. Labelling students below the national minimum standards had no significant effects on later reading or numeracy achievement. The results suggest the NAPLAN national minimum standards labelling is not driving student improvement, highlighting the need for effective early identification and interventions for children who do not meet school year benchmarks for literacy and numeracy.

Numeracy Achievement of Learners: An Aftermath of Mother Tongue- Based Multilingual Education

Although there are obvious advantages in having a multilingual education system, it remains a challenge to Mathematics educators. This study determined the numeracy achievement of Grade IV pupils as an aftermath of the use of Mother Tongue as the Language 1 and English as the Language 3 in San Juan District, Schools Division of Ilocos Sur during the School Year 2017-2018. The pupils’ numeracy achievement was measured by means of an achievement test using the Mother Tongue and English. The descriptive method of research was utilized in this study with a questionnaire and two sets of achievement tests as main tools for data gathering. The respondents involved 223 pupils from the selected schools in San Juan District, Schools Division of Ilocos Sur. Ethical principles and considerations were strictly observed. The gathered data were analyzed using frequency and percentage, mean and simple linear correlation analysis. Based on the results, it was found out that there is no significant relationship between the level of usage of Mother Tongue and English on the Numeracy Achievement of Learners. Therefore, the level of pupils’ performance may be improved by encouraging learners to be involved more in Mathematics-related activities to further enhance their knowledge and improve their performance like the following: think-pair share, quick-writes, anticipatory charts, peer-teaching, manipulative and gamification

Disentangling the role of income in the academic achievement of migrant children

Poverty has a well-established association with poor developmental outcomes in children but is often found to be a weak predictor of outcomes for migrant children. Building on theory focused on the developmental competencies of minority children, the current study used a systematic and novel analytic approach to disentangle the relationship between income and developmental outcomes for different groups of migrant children. Utilizing a population-based cohort of children in British Columbia, Canada (N = 23,154), the study examined whether income differently predicted the kindergarten to Grade 7 (K-7) literacy and numeracy trajectories of migrant children (economic, family, and refugee groups), in comparison to non-migrants. By applying Group-Based Trajectory Modeling (GBTM), the study found that lower income was generally associated with lower K-7 literacy and numeracy achievement trajectories. The relationship between income and achievement did not differ for migrant children in comparison to non-migrant children, with the exception of one sub-group of high-achieving economic class migrant children, which appeared to be less impacted by low income levels. Follow-up binomial logistic regression analysis found that parental education levels at migration and English language ability predicted which migrant children would be high literacy and numeracy achievers despite low income. The results suggest that basic associations between poverty and the outcomes of migrant children mask an underlying complexity: For most migrant children, poverty was just as predictive of detrimental academic outcomes as it was for non-migrant children and being in the exceptional sub-group of high-achieving, low-income migrant children was partly accounted for by other protective factors.

Binary Logistic Regression Analysis of Teacher Self-Efficacy Factors Influencing Literacy and Numeracy

This paper discusses the teacher efficacy factors contributing to student achievement in literacy and numeracy in 105primary schools within Sibu division, Sarawak, Malaysia. The study observed high levels of practice for teacherefficacy. The t-test and one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) were used to analyze the differences between gender,teaching experience and academic qualification. The study reported significant differences in respondent perceptionsbased on teaching experience. Here, the post hoc Tukey test revealed that efficaciousness grows with years of teachingexperience. A correlation test observed a significant relationship between the independent variable with studentachievement in literacy. Binary logistic regression was applied to predict the influence of teacher efficacy on literacyand numeracy. The findings revealed that a dimension of teacher self-efficacy – efficacy in student engagement -emerged as the best predictor for student achievement for English literacy (LBI). The result indicated that for every1-point increase in the self-reported efficacy for student engagement, the school was .014 times less likely to achieve100% literacy rate for LBI. In conclusion, the teacher’s self-efficacy in student engagement had a negative influence onthe mastery of basic literacy for the English language, hence necessitating a closer inspection of the variable within thecontext of LINUS2.0. However, more comprehensive studies are needed to ascertain its consistency as well asinvestigating positive predictors for literacy.