Research and Test Development Unit
The Child Assessment and Education Center strives to be a leading regional hub for applied research in the field of learning difficulties. The Center recognizes the importance of applied scientific research in supporting its activities and in achieving its goals of assisting individuals with Specific Learning Difficulties. In addition, the Center works on developing standardized assessment tools and remedial programs that are aligned with the Arabic language and the educational and cultural context of the State of Kuwait, rather than relying solely on tools developed outside the Arab world. It also conducts the essential foundational research required to achieve this objective.
Developing psychological and educational assessment tools to support the diagnosis of children with learning difficulties, and verifying their psychometric properties in line with the Center’s needs and in accordance with sound scientific principles and standards.
Updating and restandardizing previously developed tools to verify their validity and reliability, and making the necessary revisions to their items.
Developing rapid screening tests for use in schools during the initial identification of learning difficulties.
Conducting foundational research that supports the development of assessment tools and remedial programs.
Developing remedial programs for teaching individuals with learning difficulties.
Providing relevant departments and units with standardized or research-based information related to the field of learning difficulties.
Publishing a series of scientific resources intended for teachers, parents, and specialized researchers in the field of learning difficulties.
Establishing cooperation and partnerships with institutions and research centers concerned with learning difficulties, both within the State of Kuwait and internationally and across the Arab region.
Monitoring and participating in Arab and international conferences related to learning difficulties, contributing specialized research that helps improve the diagnosis of individuals with learning difficulties and enhances understanding of their characteristics.
Organizations the Unit Cooperates With Locally and Regionally:
The unit cooperates with the Ministry of Education in the State of Kuwait, Kuwait University, the Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Sciences, the Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Kuwait, as well as other specialized centers. It also collaborates with relevant regional entities, including the King Salman Center for Disability Research.
Assessment (Arabic Language)
Screening Tools
Developing two electronic test batteries for screening dyslexia in adults, in both Arabic and English, for the university level.
Diagnostic Tools
Standardized Phonological Processing Test for Children (Kuwaiti Sample)
Standardized Phonological Processing Test for Children (Saudi Sample)
Standardized Reading and Spelling Test for Children
Standardized Graphomotor Processing and Morphological Awareness Test for Children
Standardized Working Memory Test for Children (Kuwaiti Sample)
Standardized Working Memory Test for Children (Saudi Sample)
Standardized Phonological Processing Test for Middle School Students
Standardized Reading and Spelling Test for Middle School Students
Development and standardization of Listening Comprehension Tests for the elementary level
Development and standardization of Reading and Spelling Tests for the secondary level
Assessment (Mathematics)
Screening Tools
Early Screening Test for Dyslexia
Computerization of the Phonological Processing Test Batteries for the elementary and middle school levels
Computerization of the Reading and Spelling Test Batteries for the elementary and middle school levels
Diagnostic Tools
Criterion-referenced diagnostic tests for the elementary and middle school levels.
Intervention (Arabic Language)
Completed Projects
“Sounds and Letters” – a preventive group program for teaching phonological awareness skills and early decoding skills for kindergarten and Grade 1.
“I Read and Write!” – a remedial program for teaching reading and writing skills at the elementary and middle school levels.
Ongoing Projects:
“Sounds and Letters” – a preventive group program for teaching phonological awareness skills and early decoding skills for kindergarten and Grade 1.
“I Read and Write!” – a remedial program for teaching reading and writing skills at the elementary and middle school levels.
Intervention (Mathematics)
Completed Projects
“I Am Part of the Equation” – a remedial program for teaching mathematics at the elementary and middle school levels (under review for publication).
Training
Developing teacher standards.
Training Arabic language and mathematics teachers to teach students with Specific Learning Difficulties.
Training psycho-educational diagnosticians in the Center’s Diagnostic Unit on the standardized assessments developed and normed by the Center.