Computerized Language Analysis

The classroom computer can be an agent of change by aiding the classroom teacher in the analysis of language samples. Once the language samples are analyzed, changes in programming can be designed to correct language deficiencies. This article describes a computerized language analysis system that produces a detailed description as well as summary statistics that can be used to track language growth within student populations. This microcomputer-based language assessment system dramatically simplifies the process of identifying deficits in a student's productive language system, consequently enabling the teacher or clinician to spend less time executing diagnostic procedures and more time establishing effective intervention.