ERIC Number: EJ1349289
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2022
Pages: 27
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-2168-3603
EISSN: EISSN-2168-3611
Available Date: N/A
Factor Structure, Measurement Invariance, and Construct Validity of MELQO Measure of Child Development and Early Learning in Laos
Gomez, John A.; Brown, Joshua L.; Spier, Elizabeth
International Journal of School & Educational Psychology, v10 n2 p181-207 2022
Early learning interventions are widely implemented in developing countries yet instruments to reliably measure the effects of such programs on children's development and learning in specific contexts are needed. This study examines the measurement properties of a globally-informed instrument adapted to measure school readiness in Laotian children from ethnolinguistic minorities. Data come from a subsample of children (n = 1469, mean age = 4.67 years) in two larger studies to promote children's school readiness in rural areas in Laos. This study (a) uses exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis to evaluate the factor structure of the measure, (b) tests measurement invariance across ethnolinguistic and age groups, and c) examines the construct validity using demographic variables known to predict school readiness. Results indicate eight factors compatible with subtasks in the Numeracy, Executive Function, and Vocabulary domains, but not with a Literacy domain, and it is useful for making inferences regarding school readiness from children across ethnolinguistic and age groups. Family SES, parents' education, child gender, and age were associated with several domains of children's school readiness. Results are discussed with respect to the importance of assessing children in their first language to help reduce the ethnolinguistic disparity in children's school readiness performance.
Descriptors: Factor Structure, School Readiness, Rural Areas, Preschool Children, Language Minorities, Foreign Countries, Factor Analysis, Test Validity, Numeracy, Executive Function, Vocabulary, Socioeconomic Status, Parent Background, Gender Differences, Age Differences
Routledge. Available from: Taylor & Francis, Ltd. 530 Walnut Street Suite 850, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Tel: 800-354-1420; Tel: 215-625-8900; Fax: 215-207-0050; Web site: http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Laos
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A