Language Sampling--Middle and High School (printable directions and form)

I'm walking on thin ice.   I actually haven't worked with a teenager for an extremely long time.

That being said, I do know for a fact, after having four such creatures of my own, that teenagers in regular education are expected to have completely mastered syntax, conversation, following directions, and higher level language skills.  Teens can be creative, persuasive, cunning, charming, and ultra-social; so when a teen needs a speech-language evaluation (those young people that are in regular education who are struggling academically), a language sample needs to go way beyond simple sentences and mono-syllabic answers to questions.  Our adolescent language sample first looks at spoken language, and then the impact on written language.  (This language sample is not meant for those teens who are in more restricted settings such as a self-contained classroom, and not on a regular diploma track).

My SLP colleagues worked last year to create a set of directions to administer a research-based language sample to middle and high school students.  This is a required component of our comprehensive speech-language assessment and so, as a group, we take language samples seriously.

This language sample form looks like an excellent example of a carefully thought-out, research-based assessment protocol. Our SLP group from Chapel Hill would really like to share our work, but since I don't work with teens at this time,  what I'm going to do is this:

1. I've uploaded and shared our forms.  See links below

2. If you have questions on how to administer, email me at speech40@gmail.com

3. I will forward your questions and get back with you.

Click here to download the Adolescent Language Sample Directions

Click here to download the form "Final Writing Analysis Worksheet"

If you want the language sample form for 4th and 5th grade, click here.