# 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

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## 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

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## 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.