This discussion of problems associated with deriving pragmatic norms for older children and adolescents presents a model for analyzing and comparing pragmatic performance across language tasks. The multilevel model involves the interrelationship of situational, discourse, and semantic contexts--knowing what, to whom, when, and how much to say. (DB)

Reviews a book that focuses on the sociocultural nature of both first- and second-language acquisition and on the importance of the school maintaining and developing the language and culture of students' families and local community. The book contains many practical suggestions for teachers working with language-minority children, including such…

This study examined the stability over 1-year and 2-year periods of the relationship between a cognitive measure and 2 language measures in 125 children (ages 3-7) with developmental delays. Findings indicated substantial changes in the cognitive-language relationship over time, suggesting that the discrepancy model is not appropriate for service…

This study compared speech and language comprehension and production between 249 very low birthweight and 363 normal birthweight 8 year olds. Although low birthweight children tended to score lower, when those with major neurological abnormalities were excluded, no significant differences were found between the two groups. However, general…

Maintains that reading humorous storybooks to toddlers can support their development and learning. A bibliography of humorous children's books is included. (BB)

This article describes a collaborative consultation process developed at the University of New Mexico's University Hospital to address the needs of newborns at risk and their families. It considers the interdisciplinary team structure of the Developmental Care clinical team, collaborative service delivery approaches, and specialized competencies…

This study of 18 school-age children with Down Syndrome supports the contention that combining technological access to speech and text with teaching methods providing the language structure to link speech output and text with personal meaning results in significantly improved language skills compared with use of computers without speech output or…

Includes "Texts and Margins" (Greene); "Arts as Epistemology: Enabling Children to Know What They Know" (Gallas); "To Arrive in Another World: Poetry, Language Development, and Culture" (Steinbergh); "The Uses of Folk Music and Songwriting in the Classroom" (Cockburn); and "And Practice Drives Me Mad;…

This article reviews the concept and derivation of age-equivalent scores as evidence for speech-language deficits. It presents arguments against the use of age-equivalent scores in case management decisions and recommends that, when used, a report include a clear explanation of their true meaning and other summaries of test performance. (Author/DB)

Describes a parent education program in a rural Pennsylvania school district that uses a learning packet that contains (1) information about child development; (2) ideas for fostering child development, especially in language; and (3) suggestions for parenting. (BB)

A project to make computerized language sample analysis available to Wisconsin public school speech-language pathologists is described. The project developed the Systematic Analysis of Language Transcripts computer program as a standard analysis procedure, created a reference database of language samples, and developed indices of developmental…

Results of interviews with 13 British teachers of children with speech and/or language difficulties are summarized to illustrate teacher views on the National Curriculum, including appreciation of the oral emphasis; too broad definitions for speaking and listening; and concerns about assessment of children's attainments, which too often reflects…

Reviews aspects of foreign language instruction (FLI) often cited as incompatible with the goals of general education. Argues for inclusion of FLI at the center of general education, describing the critical linguistic skills and cultural learning gained through language study. Offers six suggestions for restoring FLI to the liberal education…

Annotates 146 conference papers, journal articles, and doctoral dissertations from 1989 and 1990 dealing with research in the teaching of English. Includes sections on writing, language, literature, and teacher education. (SR)

The purpose of this study was to identify factors that predict the first- and second-language proficiency of ethnic minority children at the age of six. Results of the study show two dimensions that underlie children's proficiency in either language: communicative skills versus cognitive/academic skills. (45 references) (JL)