Preservice Teachers' Perceptions of Their Knowledge of and Confidence in Using High-Leverage Practices

High-Leverage Practices (HLPs) are a fundamental set of skills teachers should use consistently in the classroom to positively impact both their own capabilities and their students' learning. In our state, the five most important HLPs have been embedded into multiple courses across several educator preparation programs (EPPs). We asked preservice teachers to share their perceptions of their knowledge of and confidence in implementing HLPs prior to being introduced to them in their courses. Preservice teachers reported overwhelmingly strong knowledge and confidence, despite having never learned about the HLPs. In addition to our results, we share our thoughts about the illusion of fluency, the Dunning-Kruger Effect, and implications for EPPs with regard to field experiences and implementing HLPs.