Phonemic awareness levels of clinically identified dyslexic learners

Abstract

The study identifies whether clinically identified dyslexic learners perform differently on tests of phonemic awareness when compared to other children of the same age who are average readers and younger average readers who have a similar reading age. The study involves work done with a sample of 15 clinically identified dyslexic learners identified by the SpLD services. These students were matched with others for age and reading ability; therefore a total of 45 students participated. The study revealed that dyslexic learners performed at lower levels than their same age peers and lower than other students of the same reading age. The sample's phonological ability was assessed using a group of non- standardized measures in Maltese, and a battery of standardized English tests. The sample was also monitored for reading and spelling ability.