The Influence of Reading Literacy and Learning Interest on the Learning Outcomes of Grade XI Social Sciences Students at SMA Negeri 8 Kupang

Student academic achievement is one of the key indicators of successful learning and is influenced by various factors, including reading literacy and learning interest. Although these factors have been widely investigated, empirical evidence regarding their contribution to secondary school students' academic achievement remains inconclusive. This study aimed to examine the effects of reading literacy and learning interest on the academic achievement of Grade XI Social Sciences students at SMA Negeri 8 Kupang, both individually and simultaneously. A quantitative survey design was employed. The study involved 132 students selected through purposive sampling from a population of 264 students. Data were collected using a valid and reliable questionnaire and analyzed using multiple linear regression after satisfying the classical assumption tests. The findings revealed that reading literacy had a positive and significant effect on students' academic achievement (β = 0.295, t = 2.087, p = 0.039). Likewise, learning interest positively and significantly influenced academic achievement (β = 0.437, t = 3.236, p = 0.002). Simultaneously, both variables significantly affected academic achievement (F = 41.491, p < 0.001), with a coefficient of determination (R²) of 0.391. These findings indicate that reading literacy and learning interest jointly explain 39.1% of the variance in students' academic achievement. Therefore, strengthening school literacy culture and implementing instructional strategies that foster students' learning interest should become priorities for schools to enhance students' academic achievement.