SPE502 Language Development and Challenges in Children and Adolescents

In this course, the theoretical, clinical and pedagogical issues concerning school-aged students with language- learning disabilities are explored. The relationship between language and communication challenges and learning is presented. Etiological theories, biological bases, and characteristics of various language difficulties are reviewed. The language of classroom instruction is explored, along with the features and demands of conversational, narrative, instructional, and classroom discourse. Assessment and intervention approaches are reviewed. Emphasis is placed on viewing language functioning in the context of cognitive, perceptual, motor, and psychosocial issues. Public policy regarding the education of students with language challenges and language differences is considered. Prerequisite: None 2 semester hours