As practitioners dedicated to improving the educational outcomes of children with Specific Language Impairment (SLI), it is essential to rely on data-driven insights to inform our approaches. A pivotal study, Core subjects at the end of primary school: identifying and explaining relative strengths of children with specific language impairment (SLI), provides valuable findings that can enhance our strategies.
Key Findings from the Study
The study examined the performance of 176 eleven-year-old children with SLI in three core subjects: English, Mathematics, and Science. Here are the key findings:
- Children with SLI were generally at a disadvantage in core subjects compared to their typically developing (TD) peers.
- Performance was poorest in English, while relative strengths were observed in Science and, to a lesser extent, Mathematics.
- Language skills were significant predictors of performance in all three subjects, with Performance IQ (PIQ) being the strongest predictor for Mathematics.
- Early language skills at age 7, along with PIQ, significantly contributed to Science performance.
Implications for Practitioners
These findings underscore the importance of tailoring educational interventions to leverage the relative strengths of children with SLI. Here are some practical steps for practitioners:
- Focus on Science and Mathematics: Given the relative strengths in these subjects, emphasize hands-on, visually-rich learning experiences that minimize verbal processing demands.
- Targeted Language Interventions: Implement targeted language interventions early, as early language skills significantly predict later performance.
- Individualized Support: Customize support based on the child's specific strengths and weaknesses, particularly in English, where challenges are most pronounced.
- Collaboration with Educators: Work closely with teachers to integrate speech and language strategies into the classroom, particularly in language-heavy subjects like English.
Encouraging Further Research
While this study provides critical insights, ongoing research is necessary to deepen our understanding and improve educational outcomes for children with SLI. Practitioners are encouraged to stay updated with the latest research and consider participating in or conducting studies that explore effective interventions.
To read the original research paper, please follow this link: Core subjects at the end of primary school: identifying and explaining relative strengths of children with specific language impairment (SLI).
