SLINGERLAND® SCREENINGS

The Slingerland^® Tests for Identifying Children with Specific Language Disability (dyslexia) were originally developed by Beth H. Slingerland. She developed five forms which are graduated for use with kindergarten and elementary students through grade six. These original screenings have been adapted for use with adolescents and adults by Neva Malcomesius, Carol Murray and Patricia Beis.

The Screening Manuals all contain complete directions for administering the tests, samples of student performances (not included in the Malcomesius 7th and 8th grade level) and scoring directions. The tests can be administered individually or in classroom-sized groups.

Learn how to administer, score and interpret the Slingerland Screenings tests by attending a screening short course. To be redirected to the page containing information on course dates and locations, please click here.

Rationale

The Slingerland tests are designed to screen a group of children to determine those with specific language disabilities (dyslexia). The earlier children are identified, the sooner prevention or remediation can begin in a preventive program of instruction before they begin to fail. Early patterning through sensory channels serving language can strengthen neurological pathways for learning. The tests also aid in identifying children whose current language difficulties may continue beyond periods of developmental and maturational lag to become persistent specific language disabilities in later grades.

Reading is only one component of the whole language function. Writing, spelling, written and oral express are also involved. Some children, despite average or even above average intelligence, have difficulty learning in all the language areas. Others may learn to read but are unable to spell or to succeed in using expressive language required for everyday school performance. It is desirable to identify these students as early in school life as possible, so that education can provide step-by-step structured learning patterns to bring about the simultaneous use of auditory, visual and kinesthetic-motor channels necessary for perceptual intake, integration and output.

The screening tests not only identify dyslexia but also help identify strengths as well as weaknesses in each of the modalities that contribute to language learning: visual, auditory and kinesthetic-motor. Teachers trained in the use of simultaneous multi-sensory techniques are best qualified to evaluate the screenings to use them for class placement or to plan individualized programs for students with dyslexia.

Detailed Test Descriptions

Revised Pre-Reading Screening Procedures (to identify first grade academic needs)

The pre-reading screenings are for students who have not yet had a formal introduction to reading instruction. The tests evaluate auditory, visual and kinesthetic-motor strengths to identify dyslexia or specific language disability. The tests also identify those children who may need a preventive program for formal reading instruction.

The Slingerland Pre-Reading Screening requires the 94-page Teacher's Manual, a packet containing cards and charts, and student response booklets. The Pre-Reading Screening is to be given to children who are just completing Kindergarten or who have just begun first grade.

Slingerland Screening Tests for Identifying Children with specific language disability

The tests, for individuals or groups, identify students who may have dyslexia or specific language disability. In all of the forms, subtests 1-5 evaluate visual-motor coordination, visual memory, visual discrimination and visual memory linked with motor coordination. Subtests 6-8 evaluate auditory-visual discrimination and auditory memory-to-motor ability. Form D also contains a subtest for evaluating orientation in time and space as well as the ability to express ideas in writing. All forms also contain individual auditory tests to identify those unable to recall or pronounce words correctly or are unable to express organized thoughts in either spoken or written language.

The Slingerland Screenings (Forms A, B and C) require the 172-page Teacher's Manual, a packet containing cards and charts, and student response booklets.

• Form A is designed for students in Grade 1 (February - June) and Grade 2 (September - January)
• Form B is designed for Grade 2 (February - June) and Grade 3 (September - January)
• Form C is for Grade 3 (February - June) and Grade 4 (September - June)
• Form D is for Grade 5 and Grade 6 students -- it requires the 96 page Teacher's manual, a packet containing cards and charts, and student response booklets.

Advanced Screening Tests

These tests are adaptations of Mrs. Slingerland's screening tests for Middle School (Malcomesius), High School (Murray/Beis) and College (Murray) students.

To Purchase

To purchase Slingerland Screening materials for the Revised Pre-Reading, Form A, Form B, Form C and Form D tests, please contact Educator's Publishing Service. Phone: 800-225-5750; Fax: 888-440-2665; Web: www.epsbooks.com

The Advanced screening test materials can be obtained by contacting AKA Dyslexia. Phone: 415-418-4578; Web: www.akadyslexia.com.