Dynamic assessment methods are compared with respect to their assessment applications. An assessment protocol recommended for the identification of language disorder versus differences is then described. Examples of two Spanish-English bilingual children show how the protocol may be useful to assess children's language-learning potential and to…

This article describes results of a survey of licensed Midwestern school-based speech-language pathologists (N=326) regarding methods used to assess the language of children ages 3 to 5 years, 6 to 11 years, and 12 to 18 years. Striking similarities were found in methods used for each age group. The relationship of these methods to recommended…

A study examined the roles of 15 school speech-language pathologists (SLPs). The SLPs and resource teachers demonstrated similar types of language instruction. Oral language and speech were clearly specialty domains of the SLPs. The SLPs were also distinctive in terms of the instructional framework and service delivery structure. (Contains…

The impact of a disordered phonological system (expressive or receptive) on language development is examined. Research results and guidelines are presented for identification of critical intelligibility and phonological awareness deficiencies and for intervention. Options for expediting intelligibility gains and research findings on enhancing…

Analysis of questionnaires and interviews with Tanzanian health and education professionals found that 41% reported having received training in speech and language difficulties but that 68% considered themselves responsible for assisting children with such problems. No evidence of research or planning for these children was found. A copy of the…

This article introduces a clinical forum that considers a variety of theoretical and analytical frameworks that have been applied to developing systems in phonological theory and treatment. It explains phonological theory, in which sound properties that are marked in language are those sounds that are most complex. (Contains references.)…

The current position on speech and language intervention for children who have pragmatic language impairment (PLI) is limited by a lack of evidence to support practice. Two intervention outcome case studies of children with PLI, aimed at establishing efficacy, are presented in this paper. Standardized language tests and conversational sampling…

This practicum addressed the problem of high school students with speech and language impairments not receiving available support services because of under-identification of this population. A 3-month multiple channel public relations campaign was designed and implemented to train high school teachers in the identification and referral process.…

This article focuses on the speech language pathologist's (SLP) role as a member of a collaborative team in identifying patterns of strengths and challenges in communication in children with autism and in providing social, behavioral, and communication supports. It presents two case studies of boys (ages 10-12) with autism. (Contains references.)…

Cognitive mechanisms that may account for the phenomena of whole-word phonology and phonological templates in children are described and strategies for identifying whole-word phonological patterns in normal and disordered phonologies are proposed. Intervention strategies that draw on these same mechanisms as a way to overcome their inappropriate…

Outlines a four-phase process for forming therapeutic alliances between speech/language professionals and families. Methods from the family therapy literature are superimposed onto speech-language therapy techniques. Adaptations to meet the needs of young children with communication difficulties and their families are described. Case study dialogs…

This article reports the outcomes of British government-funded research into the provision of speech and language therapy services and identifies 13 key themes that emerge from a review of these findings. Recommendations are made, many of which focus on the need for enhanced collaboration at a range of levels. (Contains references.) (Author/CR)

This paper examines collaboration and consultation relative to the current restructuring and inclusion movement in education. It presents the advantages of the collaborative consultation model for serving special students, particularly those with speech and language impairments and outlines the role of the speech language pathologist in…

A survey evaluated the satisfaction of 79 parents with the delivery of preschool speech-language services in a rural region of Canada. While parents were generally supportive of the services, they were less supportive of service convenience, parent support, and overall parent satisfaction. Intervention format received the lowest parent rating.…

This review of recent British legislation and government plans for providing speech and language therapy (SLT) for children with special educational needs focuses on such issues as collaboration among services using a systems framework, functional issues in coordinating health and educational services, especially SLT, and structural issues such as…