Predicting Grade 7 Academic Skills: The Role of Self‐Regulated Learning Competencies of Grade 2 Students

ABSTRACT The article describes the model and standardized web‐based tool for assessing indicators of self‐regulated learning (SRL) from three areas—motivation, cognition, and metacognition. The aim of this exploratory study is to investigate which SRL indicators in Grade 2 predict students' academic skills in Grade 7. First, 401 Grade 2 students completed the SRL assessment. Of them, 321 students completed the Estonian language and 313 the math national test in Grade 7. All predictors were included simultaneously in the structural equation model. SRL indicators generally showed stronger associations with language than with math outcomes. Cognitive indicators, particularly attention, showed the most consistent predictive effects. The results are discussed in relation to students' developmental level and cognitive demands of different academic areas. Findings indicate that it is specifically important to support students' attention and thinking skills and create a classroom environment that fosters a growth mindset.