Reading Screener at Primary Schools in Malaysia

There is a huge on-going debate about the Phonics Check screener currently being used in Australia. Arguments of its efficacy and its relevance to Australian primary children is being questioned and justified and the two groups of professionals seem to continue to have differences in opinion. The main reason for this argument is really because The phonics screener in question was taken from the UK.

IN Malaysia, while we are aware of the research that supports early detection of reading problems globally, little has been done about developing a screening tool. I have been working on once such tool for a few years. At this juncture, the tool has been piloted and I am waiting for a technicality to be sorted out with our flagship University of Malaya. Once the technical issues have been ironed out, and the project is on the road, Malaysia stands to be the first South East Asian nation to develop its OWN phonics check screener for our primary learners. What an accomplishments for us as a Nation even though we are facing other numerous political issues - research is still active and on going.

I am hoping that the people in position to sort out this issue will view the importance of this screening tool and the potential it has to be a milestone in special education and reading instruction in this country.