This newly released 4th edition of the ELOM 4&5 Technical Manual includes three key updates since the 3rd edition was published in 2020:
- Updated Naming
The measure is now formally referred to as the ELOM 4&5, making clear that it is designed for children aged 4 and 5 years.
- New 6-Month Age Band Norms
In addition to the original 2016 9-month norm bands, the manual now includes 6-month age bands derived from over 20 000 ELOM 4&5 assessments collected since 2016 across programme evaluations, research studies, the Thrive by Five Index, and clinical assessments. Users may select the norming approach most appropriate to their context.
- Predictive Validity Established
Findings from the Roots and Shoots longitudinal study show that ELOM 4&5 scores meaningfully predict later performance in Grade 1 and Grade 2 on:
- ELOM-R (v1) Language and Mathematics
- EGMA
- EGRA
This provides strong evidence that ELOM 4&5 scores reflect accurate early learning foundations that carry forward into formal schooling.
What’s Inside
- Updated naming conventions and terminology
- Both 9-month and 6-month norm bands for flexible use
- Predictive validity study results linking ELOM 4&5 to later reading and mathematics outcomes
- Guidance for selecting norm bands and interpreting scores in programme, system, and research contexts
Why It Matters
The ELOM 4&5 remains one of the only South African-developed, standardised direct child assessment measures for pre-Grade R learners.
Title: Early Learning Outcomes Measure 4&5 Years Assessment Tool Technical Manual (4th Edition)
Author(s): Developed on behalf of DataDrive2030 by: Andrew Dawes, Linda Biersteker, Matthew Snelling, Colin Tredoux, Zuhayr Kafaar & Elizabeth Girdwood
Published: August 2025
