Verbal Sequencing Ability as a Predictor of Reading Disability

~O SCHOOL PRINCIPALS In 1965, Dr. Robert Blakeley, of the University of Oregon Medical School, Crippled Childrens' Division, developed normative data on the verbal sequencing ability of child­ ren five through twelve years of age. The 800 children used in his study were found in four schools within the Portland Public School System. This study will be pub­ lished in Dr. Blakeley's book. The Practice of Speech fathologyl A Clinical Diary, currently in press. Since that time. Dr. Blakeley has suggested that a child's ver­ bal sequencing ability may be predictive of his reading ability. He has observed this relationship clinically in several cases. My proposed Master's thesis topic is Verbal Sequencing Ability as a Predictor of Reading Disability. Essentially, it will add a logitudinal aspect to Blakeley's study. I plan to locate as many children as possible from the 100 used in the lowest age group in Blakeley's original study. Once this is accomplished, I will readminister Blakeley's sequencing test and. test each child's reading ability. The test scores and information from each child's records will be studied to determine the relationship between ver­ bal sequencing ability, reading ability. and general academic achievement. The testing of each child will take approximately thirty minutes. I will be administering the Blakeley Verbal ·Sequencing Ability Tests and the Gilmore Oral Reading Test. Following the tests, I would like permission to study each subject's school record. With the results of the tbsts. general academic information, and indications of any remedial aid. I will be able to determine If. in fact,· verbal sequencing ability is predictive of reading ability or general academic achievement. Paul E. Quin Speech and Hearing Sciences Portland State University ----------------------------------------------------------APPENDIX B PARENTAL PERMISSION LETTER February 20, 1913 Dear Parentsl Eight years ago, your child was used in a study by Robert Blakeley, Ph. D., University of Oregon Medical School. Dr. Blakeley was interested in how children at different age levels put sounds together. For my Master's thesis, I plan to do follow-up evaluations with many of the children from Dr. Blakeley's study. I hope to develop a relationship between speech and reading. If I am correct, a short test may be given to preschool children to predict their reading ability. I would be most appreciative if you would give me your per­ mission to test your child and evaluate information in his school record. All results will be strictly confidential. The testing will take approximately thirty minutes for each child. To avoid interfering with academic work, all testing will be done at the student's convenience. To indicate your cooperation in this study. please return the bottom portion of this letter to the school secretary no later than February 28, 197:3. Sincerely. ' Principal Paul E. Quin __________~School Graduate Teaching Assistant Speech and Hearing Sciences Portland State University I give permission for Mr. Paul E. Quin to test my child, ~__~____________~~_, and evaluate"his school record. I understand that all information will be strictly con­ fidential.