The Role of Primary Literacy Education in Students' Educational Trajectories in Secondary School: A Systematic Literature Review

ABSTRACT In consideration of the international landscape relating to pathways to higher education and college admissions systems, an increased focus has been placed on college readiness within the discourse pertaining to this area in recent years. Academic success in secondary school is critical for college readiness and progression to higher education, particularly in contexts which focus on high‐stakes testing for admission into higher education institutions. Previous research identifies that students' academic knowledge, skills and competencies, particularly in relation to literacy, influence their academic achievement in secondary school. This raises questions regarding the foundation laid by the acquisition of literacy skills in primary school for students' later engagement with the secondary school curriculum. Thus, this mixed methods systematic literature review investigates the relationship between students' experiences and attainment within literacy education in primary school and their educational trajectories in secondary school. Through the examination of the most current and relevant research conducted in relation to this phenomenon, three main themes of findings emerged within the data synthesis: (i) literacy skill development as a multistage process, (ii) transitions and structural influences, and (iii) leadership, pedagogy, and school reform practices. The findings of the paper emphasize the cumulative nature of students' educational trajectories in relation to literacy, highlighting the critical importance of early literacy intervention, supporting students within their transitions across the continuum of education, and the ways in which practices adopted by school leadership and teachers can influence the school environment and shape students' educational trajectories.