ERIC Number: EJ1200209
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2019-Jan
Pages: 15
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0012-1649
EISSN: N/A
Measuring Early Learning and Development across Cultures: Invariance of the IDELA across Five Countries
Halpin, Peter F.; Wolf, Sharon; Yoshikawa, Hirokazu; Rojas, Natalia; Kabay, Sarah; Pisani, Lauren; Dowd, Amy Jo
Developmental Psychology, v55 n1 p23-37 Jan 2019
Relatively little research has addressed whether conceptual frameworks of early learning generalize across different national contexts. This article reports on a cross-country measurement invariance analysis of the International Development and Early Learning Assessment (IDELA). The IDELA is a direct assessment tool for 3- to 6-year-old children, intended to measure Early Literacy, Early Numeracy, Motor, and Social-Emotional development. Its generalizability is evaluated using samples from 5 countries: Afghanistan (N = 2,629); Bolivia (N = 480); Ethiopia (N = 682); Uganda (N = 504); and Vietnam (N = 675). The 4-domain model of the IDELA was supported in each country, although the domains were highly correlated. Measurement invariance analysis revealed that most IDELA items do not provide a basis for comparing children's development over the 5 countries. This research supports the use of the IDELA for program evaluation and within-country monitoring purposes, but cautions against its use for international comparisons.
Descriptors: Foreign Countries, Cross Cultural Studies, International Assessment, Emergent Literacy, Numeracy, Motor Development, Social Development, Emotional Development, Measurement, Young Children, Child Development, Generalization
American Psychological Association. Journals Department, 750 First Street NE, Washington, DC 20002. Tel: 800-374-2721; Tel: 202-336-5510; Fax: 202-336-5502; e-mail: order@apa.org; Web site: http://www.apa.org
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Afghanistan; Bolivia; Ethiopia; Uganda; Vietnam
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A