Validity of a Parent Report Measure in School-Age Children

Abstract

This study investigated the validity of a parent report measure in school-age children. Parent report is used as a screening and assessment tool for speech-language pathologists, however there has been limited research on parent report in school-age children. The purpose of this study was to determine the validity of the Speech Language Assessment Scale (SLAS) for use with school-age children. Eight school-age children and a parent of each child participated in this study. Parents were administered the SLAS along with the Behavior Assessment System for Children- Second Edition and the Social Responsiveness Scale. Children were administered the Test of Language Development-Primary: Fourth Edition and the Goldman Fristoe Test of Articulation-Second Edition. Results indicate that there are numerous statistically significant correlations between parent ratings of school-age children's speech and language skills on the SLAS and the children's speech and language skills as determined by standardized measures. Statistically significant correlations were evident in the SLAS subscales of Assertiveness, Responsiveness, Semantics, and Syntax. There were no statistically significant correlations between parent ratings and child scores in the area of articulation.