Writing proficiency is essential for academic success, yet many students struggle with writing disorders. Standardized tests like the Test of Written Language (TOWL-4) are crucial for identifying these disorders, but research on adapting such tests for non-English contexts is limited. This study aimed to address this gap by adapting and validating the TOWL-4 for Arabic-speaking middle school students in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). A total of 482 students participated, representing diverse genders, nationalities, and grade levels. The adaptation process involved translation, piloting, and thorough psychometric evaluation. The results indicated strong psychometric properties, including high internal consistency (α ≥ 0.90), excellent test-retest reliability, and substantial inter-rater agreement. Content validity was supported by expert consensus, while criterion validity was established through significant correlations with Arabic exam scores. Construct validity was confirmed through TOWL-4 correlations with age and grade, and known-groups validity was demonstrated by significant score differences between typical students and those with disabilities. Gender differences were noted, with females generally outperforming males. However, the study identified limitations, such as reliance on a single narrative prompt, which may affect student engagement. The study recommends future longitudinal research and broader sampling to refine the tool further. This research contributes to the field by offering a culturally relevant, reliable, and valid assessment tool for screening writing disorders, facilitating personalized educational strategies and interventions in the UAE's unique educational landscape.

Authors:
Badriya AlSadrani, United Arab Emirates University, United Arab Emirates

About the Presenter(s)
Dr. Badriya Alsadrani, Adjunct Faculty at UAE University, specializes in writing disorders, digital equity, and AI in education. Currently, she is focused on adapting educational assessments for Arabic-speaking students in the UAE.

Connect on Linkedin
https://www.linkedin.com/in/badriya-al-sadrani-bb86b5118

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