Understanding Comprehensive Language & Literacy Evaluations

Support your child’s academic success through tailored assessment and school-based advocacy. 

Many children struggle in school – not because they aren’t trying, but because they have unidentified language or literacy difficulties. A comprehensive evaluation by a qualified Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) can identify these challenges and help families and schools better support the child. 

If your child is showing signs such as: 

• Difficulty following directions
• Trouble expressing ideas clearly 
• Poor decoding, reading fluency or comprehension 
• Struggles with spelling or writing 
• Frequent misunderstandings in conversation 
• Falling behind in class despite strong effort 

…a  language and literacy evaluation may help uncover the root of the problem. 

 

What Does a Comprehensive Language & Literacy Evaluation Include? 

A full evaluation covers several key areas to build a detailed picture of your child’s strengths and challenges: 

 Receptive Language (Understanding) 

• Following directions 
• Understanding vocabulary, grammar, stories and classroom language 
• Processing questions and instructions 

 Expressive Language (Speaking) 

• Word finding and vocabulary use 
• Sentence structure and grammar 
• Organizing and sharing ideas verbally 

 Phonological Processing (foundational skills that support reading & writing) 

• Identifying and manipulating sounds in words 
• Blending and segmenting sounds in words 
• Short term memory and recall of phonological information 
• Automatic retrieval skills 

 Reading Skills 

• Decoding (sounding out words) 
• Reading fluency (speed, accuracy, expression) 
• Reading comprehension (understanding text) 

 Written Expression 

• Sentence construction 
• Organizing written ideas 
• Spelling, punctuation, grammar 

 Pragmatic Language (Social Use of Language) 

• Conversational skills 
• Understanding social cues and language rules 

 Working Memory & Auditory Processing 

• Holding and using information in short-term memory 
• Understanding spoken language in noisy environments or at a fast pace 

 

How Is the Evaluation Conducted? 

• Initial Parent & Teacher Interviews
  Gathering observations and concerns from home and school. 
• Standardized Testing
  Using age-appropriate tools to compare your child’s skills to same-age peers. 
• Informal Assessment
  Observing your child’s language in natural contexts—during conversation, storytelling, reading, and writing. 
• Detailed Report & Recommendations
  The SLP provides a written report outlining: 
  • Your child’s language and literacy profile 
  • Strengths and challenges 
  • Recommendations for school supports, therapy, and additional referrals 

 

What Happens Next? 

Once the evaluation is complete, the SLP will meet with you to explain the results and guide next steps. This may include: 

• Sharing the report with your child’s school team 
• Advocating for classroom accommodations or supports 
• Beginning 1:1 or small group speech-language therapy 
• Collaborating with other professionals (e.g., psychologists, occupational therapists, tutors) 

How Can This Help My Child at School? 

A thorough evaluation can support: 

• Educational classification as an Exceptional Learner 
• Development of Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) or Growth Plans 
• Access to classroom accommodations (e.g., extra time, visual aids, small group instruction) 
• Clear communication between home and school 
• Confidence and success in academic and social learning 

 

Let’s Support Your Child Together 

If you have concerns about your child’s learning, communication, or reading skills, a comprehensive language and literacy evaluation can be the first step toward understanding and empowering their educational journey.