Assessing Expository Discourse Abilities Across Elementary, Middle, and High School. Issue 2 (April 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Lundine, Jennifer P.
• Is Part Of: Topics in language disorders. Volume 40:Issue 2(2020)
• Publication Date: 2020-04
• Subjects: adolescents -- children -- Common Core State Standards -- discourse -- expository -- language sample analysis; Language disorders -- Periodicals; Language disorders in children -- Periodicals; Language Disorders -- Periodicals; Speech-Language Pathology -- Periodicals; 616.855
• DOI: 10.1097/TLD.0000000000000211
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0271-8294

Abstract

Abstract : For academic success, it is increasingly important that students of all ages can produce and comprehend expository discourse. This article provides guidance to clinicians and educators on using language sample analysis (LSA) to assess the expository language abilities of students across grades. Focusing on microstructural and macrostructural characteristics and comparing with grade-level standards, clinicians can use LSA to assess a student's production and comprehension of academic language and to guide intervention planning. Example discourse samples are included, along with a brief discussion of how the LSA results for these samples can be used for intervention planning. Using curriculum-based materials, LSA in expository contexts can lead to improved identification of students who struggle with the complex language of the classroom. Educator–clinician collaboration to identify and address these struggles can lead to improved student success at school and beyond.