The development and assessment of literacy: background paper for the National School English Literacy Survey: paper two: Analysis of existing instruments to assess literacy

Margaret Forster, ACER

Abstract

Paper commissioned by the Quality Schooling Branch of the Dept of Employment, Education and Training to assist in the development of the National School Literacy Survey. This paper aims to provide an overview of recent developments in the assessment of literacy and in particular to: provide an overview of instruments currently used in Australian school systems to assess literacy and discuss the issues involved in using them; explore the links between existing instruments and the English and other Key Learning Area profiles; discuss other methods used in Australian schools to produce information about literacy, including methods which emphasise or incorporate teachers' assessments; survey and discuss significant methods used overseas to produce information about literacy outcomes in schools; and suggest directions for the development of assessment instruments for the National School Literacy survey.