Standardized tests of handwriting readiness: a systematic review of the literature
Article first published online: 11 FEB 2011
© The Authors. Journal compilation © Mac Keith Press 2011
Developmental Medicine & Child Neurology
Volume 53, Issue 6, pages 506–515, June 2011
How to Cite
VAN HARTINGSVELDT, M. J., DE GROOT, I. J. M., AARTS, P. B. M. and NIJHUIS-VAN DER SANDEN, M. W. G. (2011), Standardized tests of handwriting readiness: a systematic review of the literature. Developmental Medicine & Child Neurology, 53: 506–515. doi: 10.1111/j.1469-8749.2010.03895.x
- Issue published online: 16 MAY 2011
- Article first published online: 11 FEB 2011
- PUBLICATION DATA Accepted for publication 5th November 2010. Published online 11th February 2011.
Aim To establish if there are psychometrically sound standardized tests or test items to assess handwriting readiness in 5- and 6-year-old children on the levels of occupations activities/tasks and performance.
Method Electronic databases were searched to identify measurement instruments. Tests were included in a systematic review if: (1) participants are 5 and 6 years old, (2) the focus was on handwriting readiness, and (3) the measurement was standardized. In the second step a further electronic search was undertaken for selected relevant measurement instruments to evaluate the content, psychometric properties, and feasibility of these instruments.
Results The search identified 1113 citations. In the final selection 39 articles with information about 12 tests were included. The content, feasibility, and psychometric properties of these 12 tests were evaluated and none of the instruments was satisfactory, according to the specific criteria.
Interpretation None of the instruments include all necessary components to evaluate writing readiness. Therefore, the development of an all encompassing assessment is necessary to test handwriting readiness and to make tailored interventions possible.