ACQ Vol 10 No 2 2008

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: mlidd2@eq.edu.au 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 www.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au 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.

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ACQ uiring knowledge in speech , language and hearing , Volume 10, Number 2 2008