The Promises and Pitfalls of Language Sample Analysis as an Assessment Tool for Linguistic Minority Children

Language sample analysis (LSA) is often viewed as a nonbiased procedure for identifying language delay among linguistic minorty children. This article offers a critical discussion of LSA's use as an identification tool. Its advantages and disadvantages are reviewed. The concept of a minimal competency core is introduced as a potential criterion-referenced procedure for screening African American preschool children. The clinical utility of such an approach is discussed in terms of the research and educational issues that should be addressed.

KEY WORDS: language, competence, sample, assessment, minority

Submitted on October 18, 1993
Accepted on March 10, 1995

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