For use on its own or with the Test of Integrated Language and Literacy Skills™ (TILLS™), the Student Language Scale reliably screens students from ages 6-18 years for language and literacy disorders, including dyslexia. Filled out by parents, teachers, and students in just three minutes or less, the 12-question screener is a quick, cost-effective way to see how students are performing on academic tasks as compared to their same-age peers.

This concise User’s Manual shows you how to effectively use the SLS to:

• Screen for language/literacy disorders by gathering teachers’ and parents’ ratings of students. When teachers or parents rate more than two areas on items 1-8 less than 5, SLS results indicate the student is at risk and needs further assessment.
• Gather input about a struggling student’s strengths and needs from multiple sources—a key requirement of IDEA
• Enhance home–school communication by gaining new insight into the student’s performance and the parent’s perspective, whether or not there are concerns
You’ll get reader-friendly guidance on how to administer the SLS with teachers, parents, and students; a complete guide to the technical data supporting the SLS; and three examples that show how the SLS can help you make sound decisions about followup for students who need it.

Whether used with an entire classroom or with individual students, the SLS is the tool you need to quickly gather valuable information about strengths and needs—and plan next steps for students at risk for disorders.

Contributions by: E. Brooks Applegate, Elena Plante