ACQ Vol 10 No 2 2008

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ACQuiring knowledge in speech , language and hearing, Volume 10, Number 2 2008 43
Work– l i f e balance : preserv i ng your soul
have standard scores at the bottom-end of the normal range
(Formulated Sentences, 7–9; and PPVT–3, 88–96).
There were six children (11.5%) who performed within
normal limits on the QT in preschool, but below the normal
range on one of the language tests. Five children performed
below the normal range on the Formulated Sentences subtest
in year 2 although four of the five children were just below
the normal range (with a standard score of 6). One child
performed poorly on the PPVT–3, attaining a standard score
of 80. Given the two years between assessments and differ­
ences in the nature of the QT compared to Formulated
Sentences and the PPVT–3, a 88.5% predictive ability is
acceptable.
Summary
The QT is a screening assessment for 4 and 5 year olds that
has been developed for use as a referral tool for teachers who
work with speech-language pathologists. Its purpose is to
identify children in need of a speech pathology assessment
for possible language difficulties. The predictive validity of
the QT was examined by reassessing 52 children on
Formulated Sentences (CELF–4) and the PPVT–3 two years
later. The QT successfully predicted language performance
for 80% of the children. These results indicate that the QT has
very good sensitivity and specificity, in comparison to parent
report on child language (Feldman et al., 2005). However,
given the time restraints on the current study, further
research into the implications of the QT results on a full
language assessment may be needed.
Further information about how the Quick Test of Language
can be obtained is available from Maureen Liddy,
Speech-Language Pathologist, Stafford State School, Stafford
Road, Stafford, Qld, 4053; phone: 07 3552 6306; email:
Acknowledgements
Thanks go to the teachers and children who allowed us to
collect the data and to the University of Queensland speech
pathology students: Melinda Lim, Catherine Nixon, Laura
Parkhill, Sarah Sinnamon, Anna Walker, Meghann O’Connor,
and Caroline Henning.
References
Blank, M., Rose, S.J. & Berlin, L.J. (1978). The language of learn­
ing: The preschool years. New York: Grune & Stratton.
Clegg, J., & Ginsborg, J. (2006). Language and social dis­
advantage . Chichester, UK: Wiley.
Dunn, L., & Dunn, L. (1997). Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test
(3rd ed.). Circle Pines, MN: American Guidance Service.
Feldman, H., Campbell, T., Kurs-Lasky, M., Rockette, H.,
Dale, P., Colborn, D., & Paradise, J. (2005). Concurrent and
predictive validity of parent reports of child language at ages
2 and 3 years. Child Development, 76(4), 856–868.
McIntosh, B., & Liddy, M. F. (2006). The quick test of pre­
school language (for 4- and 5-year olds). Australian Com­
munication Quarterly, 8 (2), 85–88.
McIntosh, B., Crosbie, S., Holm, A., Dodd, B., & Thomas, S.
(2007). Enhancing the phonological awareness and language
skills of socially-disadvantaged preschoolers: An inter­
disciplinary programme. Child Language Teaching & Therapy,
23 (3), 267–286.
Semel, S., Wiig, E., Secord, W., & Tannan, T. (2006). Clinical
evaluation of language fundamentals (4th ed.). London:
Psychological Corporation.
Beth McIntosh is an experienced paediatric speech-
language pathologst who has just completed a three-year
secondment from Education Queensland to the Perinatal
Reasearch Centre with Professor Barbara Dodd. The
Quick Test of Language was developed in collaboration
with Maureen Liddy, speech-language pathologist
Education Queensland. Beth is currently teaching year 1
in an Education Queensland school.
Correspondence to:
Beth McIntosh
Perinatal Research Centre,
Royal Brisbane & Women’s Hospital
phone: 07 3636 4402
Speech Pathology Australia
National Employment Register
is now available on the website
This member-only service assists speech pathologists to find employment.
Members seeking employment can choose to have their contact details uploaded onto the
website or alternatively view the list of vacant positions on the ‘Job Board’.
Employers can choose to advertise vacant speech pathology positions on the ‘Job Board’ which
members can then access and apply for.
This free of charge service aims to assist members seeking employment.
We would also recommend you seek other sources when looking for employment.
Forms for completion can be downloaded from the website if you wish to use this service at any
time in the future.
For more information see the Association’s website or contact National Office.