Attached is an article that Ellen Kester, Ph.D., CCC-SLP, and Scott Prath, M.A., CCC-SLP, co-authored dealing with the home-language survey and language dominance. It highlights the different uses for this information in speech-language assessments and the testing done by diagnosticians and Licensed Specialists in School Psychology (LSSPs). Here is an excerpt followed by a link to the full document: What language do we test
We all get referrals for students with secondary language backgrounds and upon inquiring about language of dominance we are told to check the Home Language Survey. Never has a document carried so much weight and been so underfunded with current information. Why distrust the Home Language Survey? Most are completed when a child enters school (age 4) and not updated.
Here is a list of early language milestones that occur regardless of home language • 0-1 month – crying and vegetative sounds • 18 months – symbolic play, pretend play • 24 months – sequencing of activities • 36 months episodic play • Joint turn-taking • Eye gaze • Joint Attention • Gestures • Vocalizations • Comprehension • Play
