The strong association of early language skills to later reading ability suggests that supporting the development of these skills in children who enter school with below average language abilities may lead to stronger literacy development. Despite this, few evidence-based supplemental language interventions exist for school-based implementation. The current paper reports on 2 large-scale randomized trials of 5 small-group, intensive language-focused interventions implemented in preschool and kindergarten settings. After screening on an expressive language measure, 342 preschool children were randomized to either business-as-usual general education or to 1 of 3 10- or 12-week interventions. Comparably, after screening, 905 kindergarten children were randomized to business-as-usual or to 1 of 4 8-12-week interventions. Children were assessed pre- and post-intervention on a battery of distal standardized language, including listening comprehension, and early literacy measures. Results indicated significant impacts for 3 of the 5 interventions in 1 or 2 grades, on at least 1 standardized measure, although none of the interventions directly impacted listening comprehension measures. Implications for supporting language development and for the early prevention of reading comprehension difficulties are discussed. (author abstract)
Supporting language and literacy development with intensive small-group interventions: An early childhood efficacy study
Description:
Resource Type:
Reports & Papers
Country:
United States
- Related Resources
Related resources include summaries, versions, measures (instruments), or other resources in which the current document plays a part. Research products funded by the Office of Planning, Research, and Evaluation are related to their project records.
- You May Also Like
These resources share similarities with the current selection.
Developing early literacy: Report of the National Early Literacy Panel: A scientific synthesis of early literacy development and implications for intervention
Literature Review
Executive summary: Developing early literacy: Report of the National Early Literacy Panel: A scientific synthesis of early literacy development and implications for intervention
Executive Summary
Language and literacy development in dual language learners: Annotated bibliographies from a critical review of the research
Fact Sheets & Briefs