1. Delaware Department of Education
Issues and Strategies for Measuring Outcomes for Children with “Speech-Only’ Eligibility
Jim J Lesko, Ed.D.
Delaware Department of Education

2. Assessment Framework for Children with Preschool Delays
Delaware uses the Child Outcome Summary Form
Multiple sources of information/data are used to determine each child’s COSF rating
Approved list of measurement tools
Children with disabilities other than PSD assessed with comprehensive curriculum measure aligned with state EC guidelines
Measurement typically involves 2 or more on team

3. Assessment Framework for Children with Preschool Delays
Recognize that the SLP may be the only person that completes the ratings
Emphasis on parent involvement as an important source of data on other areas of development
Emphasis on other care/education practitioners as an important source of data on other areas of development
Measurement occurs at entry, every spring and exit

4. Challenges Sheer numbers on caseloads Authentic assessment parameters
Lack of opportunity for observation
“Expertise” area is speech and language

5. Process Framework for Outcome 1 and 3
SLP will administer one of four possible assessment instruments to obtain pre/post developmental information
Assessment instruments fall into 2 categories
Parent Survey
Interview Measure
Therapist chooses either parent survey or interview measure

6. Approved Instruments Outcome 1 and 3 Tools Outcome 2 Tools
Parent Surveys
Ages and Stages Questionnaire and
Ages and Stages Social/Emotional Quest.
Or Child Development Inventory
Interview Tools
Vineland Scales II
Adaptive Behavior Assessment System
Outcome 2 Tools
Appropriate speech assessment tools such as the Goldman Fristoe Test of Articulation, Language Samples

7. Process
The state has made the assumption that children identified as preschool speech delayed are not presenting developmental issues in other areas – hence the use of surveys and questionnaires
We are also going with the assumption that parents and/or EC practitioners are fairly accurate reporters of their children’s development

8. Process
We have worked with SLPs to monitor the survey responses and identify when red flags are raised
When red flags occur the SLP refers the child/family for further investigation or develops a close monitoring plan
ie., child presents with red flag in behavior and child has severe articulation concern
ie. – child presents with red flag in language or motor and has moderate articulation concern

9. Process Literacy levels of families is a concern with the surveys
Return rate of surveys is a concern
Few complaints from SLPs on the process seen as a success
Assessing children that are English language learners remains a concern