A Local Wisdom–Based Science Literacy Instrument for Junior High School Students: Development and Rasch Analysis

Abstract

The Kurikulum Merdeka implemented in Indonesia focuses on mastering 21st-century skills, including scientific literacy. However, the level of scientific literacy in Indonesia remains relatively low, partly due to the lack of instruments to measure it. This study develops a locally grounded science literacy instrument for junior high school students by integrating local wisdom with the PISA 2025 framework. Anchored in the cultural context of Batang Regency, the instrument positions local phenomena as core cognitive stimuli to enhance the contextual validity of science literacy assessment. Using a development approach and Rasch-based analysis, the results indicate that the instrument demonstrates strong psychometric quality and effectively differentiates students’ science literacy levels. Beyond measurement robustness, the findings reveal that students’ science literacy remains limited, underscoring the need for contextually responsive assessment tools. This study contributes a scalable model for a more valid science literacy assessment that bridges global competency standards with local educational contexts, offering important implications for science educators and assessment developers.