ERIC Number: EJ1486961
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2025-Oct
Pages: 16
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0034-0553
EISSN: EISSN-1936-2722
Available Date: 2025-10-13
Teacher Autonomy in Text Choices for Elementary Reading Instruction
Allison Ward Parsons1; Kristin Conradi Smith2; Margaret Vaughn3; Holly Klee1; Leslie La Croix1; Jane Core Yatzeck4
Reading Research Quarterly, v60 n4 e70071 2025
Reading in elementary school is central to supporting student reading development. However, a gap exists in current research regarding the types of texts that teachers select for reading instruction and the instructional contexts in which that reading occurs. Teachers' autonomy to select texts and activities for reading instruction is complex and not well understood. In this exploratory study, we surveyed a stratified sample of elementary teachers (n = 1250) in the United States to understand their perceptions of autonomy surrounding text use. Chi-squared analysis results raise questions of autonomy, access, and equity, particularly regarding digital text usage in younger grades and schools with fewer economic resources. Discussion highlights the differences in teacher autonomy regarding text use across school demographics and instructional contexts. Implications for practice and future research are discussed.
Descriptors: Professional Autonomy, Reading Teachers, Reading Instruction, Elementary School Teachers, Reading Material Selection, Decision Making
Wiley. Available from: John Wiley & Sons, Inc. 111 River Street, Hoboken, NJ 07030. Tel: 800-835-6770; e-mail: cs-journals@wiley.com; Web site: https://www.wiley.com/en-us
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Elementary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Data File: URL: https://figshare.com/account/home#/projects/262621
Author Affiliations: 1Sturtevant Center for Literacy, George Mason University, Fairfax, Virginia, USA; 2William & Mary, Williamsburg, Virginia, USA; 3Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, USA; 4Williamsburg-James City County Public Schools, Williamsburg, Virginia, USA

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