Student Language Scale (SLS)

USER’S MANUAL

Excerpted from Student Language Scale (SLS) User's Manual by Nickola Wolf Nelson, Ph.D., CCC-SLP, BCS-CL, Barbara M. Howes, Ph.D., LMSW, & Michele A. Anderson, Ph.D., CCC-SLP

Authors

Nickola Wolf Nelson, Ph.D., CCC-SLP, BCS-CL

Professor Emerita, Department of Language, Speech, and Hearing Sciences, Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, Michigan

Barbara M. Howes, Ph.D., LMSW

Private Consultant, Cassopolis, Michigan

Michele A. Anderson, Ph.D., CCC-SLP

Research Affiliate, Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, Michigan

E. Brooks Applegate, Ph.D.

Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, Michigan

Elena Plante, Ph.D., CCC-SLP

The University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona

Contents

1 Overview of the Student Language Scale ... 1

• Three Purposes ... 1
  • Purpose 1: Screening ... 1
  • Purpose 2: Gathering Input for Evaluation and Planning ... 1
  • Purpose 3: School–Home Communication ... 1
• Outline for Realizing the Three Purposes ... 2
• Organization ... 2
  • Section 1: Rating Scale ... 2
  • Section 2: Ability Checklist ... 5
  • Section 3: Priority Question ... 6

2 How to Administer the Student Language Scale ... 7

• Using the Student Language Scale with Teachers ... 7
• Using the Student Language Scale with Parents ... 8
• Using the Student Language Scale with Students ... 8
  • Section 1: Rating Scale ... 8
  • Section 2: Ability Checklist ... 9
  • Section 3: Priority Question ... 9

3 Using the Student Language Scale for Three Primary Purposes ... 11

• Purpose 1: Screening ... 11
• Purpose 2: Gathering Input for Evaluation and Planning ... 13
• Purpose 3: School–Home Communication ... 14

4 Reliability and Validity of the Student Language Scale ... 17

• Scientific Methods ... 17
• Data Gathering ... 18
• Identifying Student Participants’ Status ... 18
• Criteria for Normal Language Group ... 19
• Criteria for Language Learning Disabilities Group ... 19
• Criteria for Language and Literacy Risk Group ... 19
• Summary of Evidence ... 29

5 Student Examples ... 31

• Student Example 1: Screening and Evaluation Input ... 31
• Student Example 2: Early Identification and Individualized Planning ... 41
• Student Example 3: Prioritizing Concerns ... 50

About the Authors

Details regarding the authors’ expertise and background.

Reliability and Validity of the Student Language Scale

Scientific Methods

In evaluating assessment instruments, evidence is needed to determine whether a tool is reliable in its consistency and valid for its stated purposes.

Data Gathering

Gathering quantitative data for analyzing the validity and reliability of the standardization version of the tool.

Identifying Student Participants’ Status

Identifying the sensitivity and specificity of a new assessment tool for screening purposes.

Criteria for Groups

Descriptions and criteria for the Normal Language Group, Language Learning Disabilities Group, and Language and Literacy Risk Group.

Summary of Evidence

Evidence supporting the reliability of the SLS indicates that ratings provided are valid for screenings and useful in describing a student’s language strengths and weaknesses.