Evaluating language intervention approaches: Contrasting perspectives

Apel suggested that, in order to work together, researchers and clinicians must agree on a definition of language, follow a common theory of language learning, and understand the roles that both groups play in planning intervention for children with language disorders. Each clinician who chooses any treatment method, but especially approaches that are controversial. must assume responsibility for regarding the intervention process as an opportunity for outcome data collection and efficacy research, including clinical trials or action based/ participatory research. Directions for determining which intervention methods to select are provided by (a) the considerations regarding the similarities and differences in the priorities and roles of clinicians and researchers, discussed by Kamhi (1999) and Apel (1999) and (bj the need for outcome and efficacy data and the role that clinicians must play in this effort, as presented in the 1998 "Clinical Forum on Treatment Outcomes and Efficacy in the Schools."