The Early Grade Literacy Assessment and its contribution to language instruction in Liberia

Sub-theme: In the promotion of sustainable futures, how can pedagogy and assessment support learning? Tools to assess early literacy skills are broadly used by development partners to assess the effectiveness of... [ view full abstract ]

Sub-theme: In the promotion of sustainable futures, how can pedagogy and assessment support learning?

Tools to assess early literacy skills are broadly used by development partners to assess the effectiveness of interventions. In particular, the Early Grade Reading Assessment (EGRA) tool is currently applied in more than 60 countries. The value placed on EGRA sub-tests can often be seen in pedagogical responses to the assessment, with a heavy focus on phonological awareness, phonics and reading fluency. However, EGRA tools are not as effective in measuring oral language development skills including receptive and expressive vocabulary knowledge. This paper describes the development, field testing and verification of a new, expanded version of EGRA, named the Early Grade Literacy Assessment (EGLA) developed for Liberia. In this presentation, an adapted vocabulary measure, the Two-Question Vocabulary Test is presented. The measure can be group administered and is appropriate for children in the early primary grades. The validity and reliability of the measure is provided, including a rationale for its use with children in Liberia. We will explain the adaptation procedures during the development process, lessons learned, and procedures for adaptation. Implications of these findings on literacy interventions in Liberia are presented. The inclusion of expressive and receptive language skills in assessments in Liberia provides opportunities to expand the scope of teacher training on language instruction in both mother-tongue and English as a second language. Recommendations are provided to inform further expansion of reading assessments to include vocabulary and influence improved pedagogy of language.