6 Identity, Language and Literacy in an African Digital Landscape

Author(s):  
Bonny Norton
2020 ◽  
Vol 29 (4) ◽  
pp. 2049-2067
Author(s):  
Karmen L. Porter ◽  
Janna B. Oetting ◽  
Loretta Pecchioni

Purpose This study examined caregiver perceptions of their child's language and literacy disorder as influenced by communications with their speech-language pathologist. Method The participants were 12 caregivers of 10 school-aged children with language and literacy disorders. Employing qualitative methods, a collective case study approach was utilized in which the caregiver(s) of each child represented one case. The data came from semistructured interviews, codes emerged directly from the caregivers' responses during the interviews, and multiple coding passes using ATLAS.ti software were made until themes were evident. These themes were then further validated by conducting clinical file reviews and follow-up interviews with the caregivers. Results Caregivers' comments focused on the types of information received or not received, as well as the clarity of the information. This included information regarding their child's diagnosis, the long-term consequences of their child's disorder, and the connection between language and reading. Although caregivers were adept at describing their child's difficulties and therapy goals/objectives, their comments indicated that they struggled to understand their child's disorder in a way that was meaningful to them and their child. Conclusions The findings showed the value caregivers place on receiving clear and timely diagnostic information, as well as the complexity associated with caregivers' understanding of language and literacy disorders. The findings are discussed in terms of changes that could be made in clinical practice to better support children with language and literacy disorders and their families.


2020 ◽  
Vol 5 (4) ◽  
pp. 1026-1038
Author(s):  
Sandra Levey ◽  
Li-Rong Lilly Cheng ◽  
Diana Almodovar

Purpose The purpose of this review article is to present certain linguistic domains to consider in the assessment of children learning a new language. Speech-language pathologists frequently face difficulty when determining if a bilingual or multilingual child possesses a true speech or language disorder. Given the increased number of new language learners across the world, clinicians must understand differences versus disorders to prevent underidentification or overidentification of a disorder. Conclusions Early identification of a true disorder has been shown to prevent language and literacy difficulties, given that children are able to achieve grade-level reading skills when given intervention. Clinical knowledge and skills are strongly required so that children receive evidence-based assessment to support their academic development. Learning Goal Readers will gain an understanding of the factors that support evidence-based assessment of bilingual and multilingual language learners.


2020 ◽  
Vol 51 (3) ◽  
pp. 509-513
Author(s):  
Ashley Bourque Meaux ◽  
Julie A. Wolter ◽  
Ginger G. Collins

Purpose This article introduces the Language, Speech, and Hearing Services in Schools Forum: Morphological Awareness as a Key Factor in Language-Literacy Success for Academic Achievement. The goal of this forum is to relate the influence morphological awareness (MA) has on overall language and literacy development with morphology acting as the “binding agent” between orthography, phonology, and semantics ( Perfetti, 2007 ) in assessment and intervention for school-aged children. Method This introduction provides a foundation for MA development and explores the influence MA has over the course of school-aged language and literacy development. Through summaries of the 11 articles in this forum, school-based speech-language pathologists will be able to convey the importance of MA to promote successful educational outcomes for kindergarten to adolescent students. The forum explores researcher-developed assessments used to help identify MA skill level in first- through eighth-grade students at risk for literacy failure to support instructional needs. The forum also provides school-based speech-language pathologists with details to design and implement MA interventions to support academic success for school-aged students with varying speech-language needs (e.g., dual language emersion, vocabulary development, reading comprehension) using various service delivery models (e.g., small group, classroom-based, intensive summer camps). Conclusion MA is effective in facilitating language and literacy development and as such can be an ideally focused on using multilinguistic approaches for assessment and intervention. The articles in this issue highlight the importance in assessment measures and intervention approaches that focus on students' MA to improve overall academic success in children of all ages and abilities.


2008 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 66-70
Author(s):  
Jennifer Walz Garrett

Abstract School-based speech-language pathologists assess students to establish eligibility, collect baselines for treatment goals, determine progress during intervention and verify generalization of skills. Selecting appropriate assessment tools and methods can be challenging due to time constraints, agency regulations, and availability of tests. This article will describe legal considerations, types of assessments, and the factors involved with the selection and use of various assessment procedures and tools. In addition, speech-language pathologists will learn to calculate words correct per minute (WCPM) and perform miscue analysis, which can provide additional language and literacy information about a child's educational needs.


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