Charles A. MacArthur|Timothy R. Konold|Joseph J. Glutting|Judith A. Alamprese
Subgroups of adult basic education learners with different profiles of reading skills
University of Delaware|University of Virginia|University of Delaware|Abt Associates (United States)
purpose study identify subgroups adult basic education abe learners different profiles skills core reading components decoding word recognition spelling fluency comprehension analysis uses factor scores 5 reading components prior investigation reliability construct validity measures reading component skills macarthur konold glutting alamprese 2010 investigation confirmatory factor analysis found model 5 factors fit data best fit equally well native nonnative english speakers study included 486 students 334 born educated united states native 152 born educated us nonnative spoke english well enough participate english reading classes cluster analysis found 8cluster solution good internal cohesion external isolation replicability across subsamples 8 subgroups 4 relatively flat profiles range mean scores across factors 05 sd 2 higher comprehension decoding 2 higher decoding comprehension profiles consistent expectations regarding demographic factors nonnative speakers overrepresented subgroups relatively higher decoding underrepresented subgroups relatively higher comprehension adults selfreported learning disabilities overrepresented lowest performing subgroup older adults men overrepresented subgroups lower performance study adds limited research reading skills abe learners perspective practice supports importance assessing component skills plan instruction