Dear Teacher:

We believe that teacher observation is a very rich source of information about how children are progressing. We also recognize that Teachers are very accurate in their identification of children with speech and language delays and disorders.

On the chart below you will find four rating scales (expression, understanding, saying sounds and conversing). Please use these rating scales to rate the childs communication skills. Write the number (from 1-5) that describes each childs skill level in the appropriate column and row on the list. When doing your rating, please average over the full range of classroom activities. We would also like you to answer three yes/no questions. You will find these questions on the list, please check Y (yes) or N (no).

For children who speak English as a second language, we want your ratings to be made in relation to other ESL children from similar circumstances. Important considerations may include neighbourhood, ethnic group, family support, length of time in Canada, etc. For example, if you have an ESL child whose vocabulary is notably farther behind than other ESL children from similar circumstances, you would rate them lower on the expression scale.

Rating Scale:
 

1	2	3	4	5
Poor                                                                                                                                                                                Excellent

What do the Results Mean?

Under 10 - student is in the normal range

10 - 15 - there may be reason to be concerned about the child's speech and language development. Refer student to a Speech-Language Pathologist for an assessment,

15 - 20 - This student should be referred to a Speech-Language Pathologist as soon as possible.