ERIC Number: EJ970147
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2012-Aug
Pages: 21
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0022-4405
EISSN: N/A
IRTs of the ABCs: Children's Letter Name Acquisition
Phillips, Beth M.; Piasta, Shayne B.; Anthony, Jason L.; Lonigan, Christopher J.; Francis, David J.
Journal of School Psychology, v50 n4 p461-481 Aug 2012
We examined the developmental sequence of letter name knowledge acquisition by children from 2 to five years of age. Data from 2 samples representing diverse regions, ethnicity, and socioeconomic backgrounds (ns=1074 and 500) were analyzed using item response theory (IRT) and differential item functioning techniques. Results from factor analyses indicated that letter name knowledge represented a unidimensional skill; IRT results yielded significant differences between letters in both difficulty and discrimination. Results also indicated an approximate developmental sequence in letter name learning for the simplest and most challenging to learn letters--but with no clear sequence between these extremes. Findings also suggested that children were most likely to first learn their first initial. We discuss implications for assessment and instruction. (Contains 4 tables and 3 figures.)
Descriptors: Item Response Theory, Children, Age Differences, Child Development, Socioeconomic Status, Factor Analysis, Data Analysis, Learning, Elementary Education, Preschool Education, Early Childhood Education, Preschool Children
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Early Childhood Education; Elementary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
IES Funded: Yes
Grant or Contract Numbers: R305A080476