To test or Not To Test? The Selection and Analysis of an Instrument To Assess Literacy Skills of Indigenous Children: a Pilot Study

This paper explains the process of selecting a standardised reading skills instrument to be used with Indigenous children in various settings in Western Australia. The selection process included the examination of a number of instruments, and consultation with educators and researchers. The instrument chosen contained items that appeared to form a basis to assess the literacy skills of Indigenous children. The test was trialed with a small sample of Indigenous children in two schools. The pilot study results were analysed and the results discussed. Implications for the evaluation of Indigenous children and educational programs are drawn. This paper explains the process of selecting a standardised reading skills instrument to be used with Indigenous children in various settings in Western Australia. The selection process included the examination of a number of instruments, and consultation with educators and researchers. The instrument chosen contained items that appeared to form a basis to assess the literacy skills of Indigenous children. The test was trialed with a small sample of Indigenous children in two schools. The pilot study results were analysed and the results discussed. Implications for the evaluation of Indigenous children and educational programs are drawn