Measurement Invariance in Relation to First Language: An Evaluation of German Reading and Spelling Tests

The growing number of children in primary schools in Germany who have German as their second language (L2) has raised questions about the fairness of performance assessment. Fair tests are a prerequisite for distinguishing between L2 learning delay and a specific learning disability. We evaluated five commonly used reading and spelling tests for measurement invariance (MI) as a function of first language (German vs. other). Multi-group confirmatory factor analyses revealed strict MI for the Weingarten Basic Vocabulary Spelling Tests (WRTs) 3+ and 4+ and the Salzburger Reading (SLT) and Spelling (SRT) Tests, suggesting these instruments are suitable for assessing reading and spelling skills regardless of first language. The MI for A Reading Comprehension Test for First to Seventh Graders - 2nd Edition (ELFE II) was partly strict with unequal intercepts for the text subscale. We discuss the implications of this finding for assessing reading performance of children with L2.