Research and Test Development Unit
The Center for Child Evaluation and Teaching (CCET) aims to be a leading regional center in applied research in the field of Specific Learning Disabilities (SLD). The Center recognizes the importance of applied scientific research in supporting its services and achieving its mission to assist individuals with Specific Learning Disabilities.
The Center also works on developing and standardizing assessment tools and intervention programs that are appropriate for the Arabic language and the educational and cultural context of the State of Kuwait, rather than relying only on tools developed outside the Arab region. To support this, the Center conducts the necessary research to guide and improve these efforts.
The Research and Test Development Unit focuses on advancing assessment and intervention in the field of Specific Learning Disabilities (SLD). Its key responsibilities include:
Develop psychological and educational assessment tools to support the diagnosis of children with Specific Learning Disabilities (SLD), and ensure their validity and reliability in line with established scientific standards and the Center’s needs.
Update and re-standardize tools previously developed by the Center to confirm their validity and reliability, and revise their content as needed.
Develop screening tools for use in schools to support early identification of learning difficulties.
Conduct research that supports the development of assessment tools and intervention programs.
Develop intervention programs for teaching individuals with Specific Learning Disabilities.
Provide relevant departments and units with standardized data and research related to Specific Learning Disabilities.
Publish scientific resources and resources for teachers, parents, and researchers in the field of Specific Learning Disabilities.
Build partnerships and collaborate with local, regional, and international institutions and research centers concerned with learning disabilities.
Participate in regional and international conferences and contribute research that supports improved diagnosis and understanding of individuals with Specific Learning Disabilities.
Collaborating Entities (Local and Regional)
The Unit collaborates with the Ministry of Education in the State of Kuwait, Kuwait University, Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Sciences (KFAS), Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research (KISR), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Kuwait, as well as other specialized centers and relevant regional organizations, including the King Salman Center for Disability Research.
Assessment – Arabic Language
Screening Tools
Development of two computerized screening batteries for dyslexia in adults (Arabic and English) at the university level.
Diagnostic Tools
Standardized phonological processing tests for children (Kuwaiti and Saudi samples).
Standardized reading and spelling tests for children.
Standardized tests of orthographic processing and morphological awareness.
Standardized working memory tests for children (Kuwaiti and Saudi samples).
Standardized phonological processing tests for middle school students.
Standardized reading and spelling tests for middle school students.
Development and standardization of listening comprehension assessments for the primary level
Development and standardization of reading and spelling assessments for the secondary level.
Assessment - Mathematics
Screening Tools
Early screening test for dyslexia.
Computerization of phonological processing batteries (primary and middle levels).
Computerization of reading and spelling batteries (primary and middle levels).
Diagnostic Tools
Criterion-referenced diagnostic assessments for primary and middle school levels.
Intervention – Arabic Language
Completed Projects
“Sounds and Letters”: A preventive group program to develop phonological awareness and early decoding skills for kindergarten and Grade 1.
“I Read and Write!”: An intervention program to develop reading and writing skills for primary and middle school students.
Ongoing Projects
Continued development and implementation of the above programs.
Intervention – Mathematics
Completed Projects
“I Am Part of the Equation”: An intervention program for teaching mathematics at the primary and middle levels (under review for publication).
Training
Developing teacher standards.
Training Arabic language and mathematics teachers to support students with Specific Learning Disabilities (SLD).
Training educational and psychological assessors at the Center on standardized tools developed and normed by CCET.