Developing a Test of Early Arabic Literacy Skills

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Bibliographic Details
Title: Developing a Test of Early Arabic Literacy Skills
Language: English
Authors: Hassanein, Elsayed E. A. (ORCID 0000-0003-4977-5168), Johnson, Evelyn S., Alshaboul, Yousef, Ibrahim, Say, Megreya, Ahm, Al-Hendawi, Maha, Al-Attiyah, Asma (ORCID 0000-0003-4430-2038)
Source: Reading Psychology. 2021 42(3):241-263.
Availability: Routledge. Available from: Taylor & Francis, Ltd. 530 Walnut Street Suite 850, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Tel: 800-354-1420; Tel: 215-625-8900; Fax: 215-207-0050; Web site: http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals
Peer Reviewed: Y
Page Count: 23
Publication Date: 2021
Document Type: Journal Articles
Reports - Descriptive
Descriptors: Semitic Languages, Literacy Education, Reading Difficulties, Emergent Literacy, Reading Tests, Phonology, Language Processing, Morphology (Languages), At Risk Students, Reading Instruction, Guidelines, Instructional Improvement, Reading Achievement, Identification
DOI: 10.1080/02702711.2021.1888349
ISSN: 0270-2711
Abstract: In recent years, stronger literacy development has emerged as a critically important issue in Arabic speaking nations. Results of international assessments indicate that most of the participating Arab countries are near the bottom of achievement levels. Additionally, recent studies indicate the prevalence rate of reading disability ranges from between 5-18%, which means that approximately one in six students may be at risk for poor reading outcomes. A necessary first step toward improving instructional programming that increases reading achievement is the development of standardized assessments that: (1) align with the construct of reading, (2) inform instructional planning, and (3) identify students potentially at-risk for poor reading outcomes. This manuscript presents the theoretical framework and a synthesis of the research that is guiding the development of the Test of Early Arabic Literacy Skills (TEALS), the first standardized measure of early literacy skills for students in grades 1 through 3. The TEALS will assess students' reading ability across four areas: (1) word reading, (2) phonological processing, (3) orthographic processing, and (4) morphological processing. There are currently no standardized measures of Arabic reading available, and this constrains our ability to better understand reading development, and to improve reading instruction.
Abstractor: As Provided
Entry Date: 2021
Accession Number: EJ1291651
Database: ERIC
Description
Abstract:In recent years, stronger literacy development has emerged as a critically important issue in Arabic speaking nations. Results of international assessments indicate that most of the participating Arab countries are near the bottom of achievement levels. Additionally, recent studies indicate the prevalence rate of reading disability ranges from between 5-18%, which means that approximately one in six students may be at risk for poor reading outcomes. A necessary first step toward improving instructional programming that increases reading achievement is the development of standardized assessments that: (1) align with the construct of reading, (2) inform instructional planning, and (3) identify students potentially at-risk for poor reading outcomes. This manuscript presents the theoretical framework and a synthesis of the research that is guiding the development of the Test of Early Arabic Literacy Skills (TEALS), the first standardized measure of early literacy skills for students in grades 1 through 3. The TEALS will assess students' reading ability across four areas: (1) word reading, (2) phonological processing, (3) orthographic processing, and (4) morphological processing. There are currently no standardized measures of Arabic reading available, and this constrains our ability to better understand reading development, and to improve reading instruction.
ISSN:0270-2711
DOI:10.1080/02702711.2021.1888349