The purpose of education is to expand, rather than limit the growth potential of a child. However, that does not mean that the child has to entirely abandon his or her cultural, social, or geographic 'way of being' in the world. Language is contextual -- just as a teacher does not use as formal a tone with his or her family as he or she does with a class, a child can use slang and other localized forms of speech with his or her peers, but needs to know how to use Standard American English to function in an academic environment.

What are the advantages of obtaining language samples from a child in a conversational rather than a structured or directed context? Why should children's language be assessed during their interactions with parents, other adults, and peers?

Shy children who are intimidated by a classroom environment may be more forthcoming...
[ View Full Essay]