The EFL-PAI: Development and validation of a group-administered assessment of phonological abilities in Grade 4

Phonological abilities (PAs), encompassing word and phonological awareness, remain crucial throughout literacy development and are robust predictors of reading achievement in first and second languages. Although numerous PAs instruments exist, most focus on the first language, are not publicly available, or require individual administration.The present study aimed to develop and validate a reliable group-administered assessment of PAs for English as a foreign language, resulting in the English as a Foreign Language Phonological Abilities Instrument (EFL-PAI).The EFL- PAI comprises 29 items across five subtests targeting word, rhyme, syllable, and phoneme awareness. Data from 389 learners in Finland and Norway were analysed using descriptive statistics and Rasch models to examine item functioning, reliability, and construct validity.The results indicate that the instrument provides a reliable measure of PAs in EFL learners and shows evidence of validity. It allows evaluation of individual differences, as well as making predictions about EFL reading skills