Assessing Literacy
Volume I. Abilities, Contexts, and Learners
Part 2. Assessing Abilities
Abstract
This chapter begins with a discussion of the purposes of literacy assessment for different populations; such purposes can go from evaluating an individual's readiness for school for to describing literacy rates in a community or nation. Next, a historical review of the concept of literacy is presented. Traditionally, literacy has been defined and therefore assessed primarily as an ability to read; however, current conceptions of literacy are far broader. They encompass reading and writing in one or more languages and recognize the increasing importance of digital media and the ability to evaluate information critically. The chapter discusses literacy assessment for school-aged populations and adults; this covers assessing functional literacy, the use of literacy assessments for setting policies, and specific purpose literacy assessment (e.g., health literacy). Examples of assessment tasks for different populations are provided. Finally, challenges and opportunities in literacy assessment are discussed.
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