The Promises and Pitfalls of Language Sample Analysis as an Assessment Tool for Linguistic Minority Children

Language sample analysis (LSA) is often viewed as a nonbiased procedure for identifying language delay among linguistic minorty children. This article offers a critical discussion of LSA’s use as an identification tool. Its advantages and disadvantages are reviewed. The concept of a minimal competency core is introduced as a potential criterion-referenced procedure for screening African American preschool children. The clinical utility of such an approach is discussed in terms of the research and educational issues that should be addressed.