Latent variable structure and measurement invariance of a modified early literacy assessment

ABSTRACT

This study reports the dimensionality and measurement invariance of a modified version of the Phonological Awareness Literacy Screening for Preschoolers (PALS PreK). Practical constraints of conducting child assessments created an opportunity to develop a modified PALS PreK. The sample consisted of 1,168 children tested in a Southwestern state in the United States. Exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) with the modified PALS PreK supported the two-factor structure of the full PALS PreK. Multigroup CFA revealed measurement invariance for the modified PALS PreK for gender and ethnicity. The implications of a similar two-factor structure in the modified PALS PreK are discussed.

KEYWORDS:

• assessment
• early literacy
• factor analysis
• measurement invariance
• preschool

Acknowledgments

Points of view or opinions contained within this document are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official position or policies of the Arizona Early Childhood Development and Health Board—First Things First.

Funding

The authors disclosed receipt of the following financial support for the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article: This project was supported by the Arizona Early Childhood Development and Health Board—First Things First.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Adriana D. Cimetta

Dr. Adriana Cimetta is assistant research professor in the Department of Educational Psychology at the University of Arizona.

Ronald W. Marx

Dr. Ronald Marx is professor of Educational Psychology at the University of Arizona.

David B. Yaden

Dr. David Yaden, Jr., is professor in the Department of Teaching, Learning, and Sociocultural Studies at the University of Arizona.

Ghadah S. Alkhadim

Ms. Ghadah S. Alkhadim is a doctoral student in the Department of Educational Psychology at the University of Arizona.

Christina A. Cutshaw

Dr. Christina Cutshaw is assistant professor in the Health Promotion Sciences Department, Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health, at the University of Arizona.