Sociolinguistic Analysis: Nonformal Assessment of Children's Language and Literacy Skills

To adequately analyze children's literacy abilities, it is necessary to supplement formal assessments with information about their use of language in real situations through direct observation &/or documentation. Direct observation can (1) be the source of new ideas about what critical elements associate with the child's language behavior, (2) pinpoint specific answers to specific questions, (3) give insight into the child's communicative competence limits, & (4) help in evaluation of contributors to communication problems. Sociolinguistic approaches to assessment, essential areas of communicative competence, & different observational procedures are discussed, & the consequences of inadequate assessment are explored. 1 Figure, 38 References. Adapted from the source document