Student and family factors that are associated with Grade 4 reading achievement in Azerbaijan

Abstract.Aims of the studyCompared to other developing countries, the reading achievement of Azerbaijani students remains low. Using the Progress in International Reading Literacy Study (PIRLS) 2016 data, this study examines potential predictors of Grade 4 student reading achievement in Azerbaijan.Background of the researchThe study is guided by an exploratory model and considers various student and family factors which could be influenced by the policies to improve student reading achievement in Azerbaijan. The study differs from previous research in that it simultaneously examines multiple predictors of student reading achievement in a previously under-researched country.MethodThis study conducts a secondary analysis of the PIRLS 2016 data. Regression model is utilized to examine the effects of student and family factors on reading achievement.ResultsThe study finds that student characteristics (gender, liking reading, and confidence in reading) and family factors (home resources for learning, preschool attendance) are significantly associated with reading achievement of Grade 4 students in Azerbaijan. The model explains 17% of the variance in student reading achievement.ConclusionThis study discusses recommendations related to the effects of various factors on reading literacy scores.