The TEWL–3 is a revision of the widely used Test of Early Written Language–Second Edition. It includes two forms, each with a Basic Writing and a Contextual Writing subtest. The TEWL–3 is suitable as an individual assessment instrument for children ages 4-0 to 11-11. The TEWL–3 provides standard score indexes (M = 100, SD = 15) for age and grade percentiles, and age and grade equivalents.

The selection of items and the development of the subtests are grounded in the available research literature and other evidence of developing literacy ability, including curriculum guides and classroom activities. Item types were selected only if recognized experts in the field have related them to developing literacy abilities. Though using a different format, the TEWL–3 is a companion to the TOWL–4 and extends the assessment range to younger children.

TEWL–3 Subtests and Composite

Basic Writing measures a child’s understanding about language and his or her ability to use the writing tools of language. Included in this understanding is metalinguistic knowledge, directionality, organizational structure, awareness of letter features, spelling, capitalization, punctuation, proofing, sentence combining, and logical sentences.

Contextual Writing measures a child’s ability to construct a story when provided with a picture prompt. The subtest measures story format, cohesion, thematic maturity, ideation, and story structure.

Overall Writing measures a child’s overall writing ability. Students who score high on this quotient demonstrate strengths in composition, syntax, mechanics, fluency, cohesion, and the text structure of written language. The Overal Writing Index combines the Basic Writing and Contextual Writing subtests.

New features of the TEWL–3:

• Two forms (Form A and Form B) are now available with item prompts in color.
• All new contextual writing prompts are provided.
• The total number of items was increased to 70 for the Basic Writing subtest and to 20 for the Contextual Writing subtest.
• Expanded age ranges now cover ages 4-0 through 11-11.
• Revised scoring for the Contextual Writing items is included, and instructions for both subtests were made more specific and detailed.
• Data are matched to census projections for 2010 and 2015.
• The results of differential item functioning analysis are reported suggesting no biased items.

Complete TEWL–3 Kit Includes: Examiner’s Manual, 10 Administration/Record Booklets (Form A), 10 Administration/Record Booklets (Form B), 10 Student Workbooks (Form A), 10 Student Workbooks (Form B), and 3 Picture Cards, all in a sturdy storage box.