Early Literacy Screening : Comparing PALS-K with AIMSweb and STAR

Abstract

Wisconsin schools are required to assess K - 2nd grade students with the Phonological Awareness Literacy Screening (PALS). However, other literacy screeners are also used in Wisconsin schools. Research suggests that the validity and accuracy of early literacy screeners varies from test to test. Outside of evidence published by the test authors, limited research exists to support the accuracy of PALS-K as an early literacy screener. The AIMSweb Tests of Early Literacy has strong evidence to support its ability to identify kindergarteners at risk for future reading difficulties. The validity of STAR Early Literacy assessment has been examined extensively; however, less research exists examining its predictive accuracy.