Accuracy and Efficiency of the Speech Language Early Literacy Screening Checklist for Korean Children Aged 5-6 Years before School Entry
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| Title: | Accuracy and Efficiency of the Speech Language Early Literacy Screening Checklist for Korean Children Aged 5-6 Years before School Entry |
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| Language: | English |
| Authors: | Seunghee Ha (ORCID |
| Source: | International Journal of Language & Communication Disorders. 2026 61(2). |
| Availability: | Wiley. Available from: John Wiley & Sons, Inc. 111 River Street, Hoboken, NJ 07030. Tel: 800-835-6770; e-mail: cs-journals@wiley.com; Web site: https://www.wiley.com/en-us |
| Peer Reviewed: | Y |
| Page Count: | 11 |
| Publication Date: | 2026 |
| Document Type: | Journal Articles Reports - Research |
| Descriptors: | Foreign Countries, Identification, Speech Language Pathology, Speech Impairments, Emergent Literacy, Learning Problems, Preschool Children, Screening Tests, Check Lists, Language Acquisition, Narration, Phonology, At Risk Persons, Content Validity, Cutting Scores, Test Reliability, Delayed Speech |
| Geographic Terms: | South Korea |
| DOI: | 10.1111/1460-6984.70227 |
| ISSN: | 1368-2822 1460-6984 |
| Abstract: | Background: Early identification of speech, language, and literacy difficulties in preschool-aged children is crucial for timely intervention and prevention of long-term academic challenges. Aim(s): This study aimed to evaluate the Speech Language and Early Literacy Screening Checklist (SLELSC), a tool designed to assess key developmental milestones in 5- to 6-year-old children before they enter elementary school. Methods and Procedures: The checklist was developed based on critical aspects of language acquisition, narrative discourse, phonological development, and emergent literacy skills, which collectively support the transition to formal education. A total of 155 children participated in this study, including 45 typically developing children and 110 children identified as at risk for speech, language, or literacy difficulties. Results: The SLELSC demonstrated strong content validity (average CVI = 0.91) and clinical validity, with a significant difference in scores between the at-risk and typically developing groups. ROC curve analysis identified an optimal cut-off score of 19.5, yielding a sensitivity of 84.4% and specificity of 76.4%. The checklist also showed high diagnostic accuracy, with a positive predictive value of 92.31% and a comparatively lower negative predictive value of 59.38%, indicating that while the tool is effective in identifying children at risk, further refinement may be needed to improve its ability to rule out difficulties. Conclusions: The findings of this study provide strong evidence for the SLELSC as a valid and reliable tool for use in clinical and educational settings. By facilitating early assessment, this checklist contributes to the timely provision of support services, helping to mitigate the long-term effects of language and literacy delays. |
| Abstractor: | As Provided |
| Entry Date: | 2026 |
| Accession Number: | EJ1500622 |
| Database: | ERIC |
| Abstract: | Background: Early identification of speech, language, and literacy difficulties in preschool-aged children is crucial for timely intervention and prevention of long-term academic challenges. Aim(s): This study aimed to evaluate the Speech Language and Early Literacy Screening Checklist (SLELSC), a tool designed to assess key developmental milestones in 5- to 6-year-old children before they enter elementary school. Methods and Procedures: The checklist was developed based on critical aspects of language acquisition, narrative discourse, phonological development, and emergent literacy skills, which collectively support the transition to formal education. A total of 155 children participated in this study, including 45 typically developing children and 110 children identified as at risk for speech, language, or literacy difficulties. Results: The SLELSC demonstrated strong content validity (average CVI = 0.91) and clinical validity, with a significant difference in scores between the at-risk and typically developing groups. ROC curve analysis identified an optimal cut-off score of 19.5, yielding a sensitivity of 84.4% and specificity of 76.4%. The checklist also showed high diagnostic accuracy, with a positive predictive value of 92.31% and a comparatively lower negative predictive value of 59.38%, indicating that while the tool is effective in identifying children at risk, further refinement may be needed to improve its ability to rule out difficulties. Conclusions: The findings of this study provide strong evidence for the SLELSC as a valid and reliable tool for use in clinical and educational settings. By facilitating early assessment, this checklist contributes to the timely provision of support services, helping to mitigate the long-term effects of language and literacy delays. |
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| ISSN: | 1368-2822 1460-6984 |
| DOI: | 10.1111/1460-6984.70227 |
