Dynamic Assessment of Word and Grammatical Rule Learning Skills in English

 

The current project aims to develop a diagnostic tool for distinguishing Spanish-English speaking children with primary language impairment from peers with typical bilingual development. Given the diversity of language experiences in the target population it is challenging to determine typical language skills and diagnose language impairments using norms. This project will develop a dynamic assessment test that assesses children’s ability to learn new vocabulary and grammatical rules in English. The goal is to minimize bias related to previous language experience by examining children’s potential for learning as opposed to knowledge at a given point in time.