A Valid and Reliable Scale Development for Assessing Adult Literacy Programs

Abstract

This study aims to develop and validate an instrument for measuring the effectiveness of adult literacy programs in Morocco, addressing a longstanding concern that affects a significant segment of the country. Framed within a theory supporting an all-inclusive concept of literacy, the study employed a systematic scale development process, incorporating literature review and focus group discussions to generate the required items. Based on exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis, the developed instrument, which the authors named “EduValue,” consists of 85 items, organized into six main dimensions: (1) Personal life, (2) family sphere, (3) inclusive decision-making, (4) spiritual and environmental well-being, (5) societal engagement, (6) economic empowerment. The survey was conducted among 152 graduates of the “Literacy for Empowerment” program. This article fills existing knowledge gaps in this field by offering empirical evidence supporting the development of educational policies and reforms to enhance the effectiveness of adult literacy initiatives within the Moroccan context and in the rest of the world.