Telepractice refers to the application of telecommunication technology (e.g., Skype, Webex, Zoom) to the delivery of speech-language and audiology services. The development of telepractice, an emerging alternative to traditional service delivery, has been driven by the need for equitable access and cost-effective services to all client, regardless of geographical locations, physical conditions, or social and economic status (Theodoros, 2011). The purpose of this study is to examine the feasibility of telepractice-delivered intervention targeting literacy (i.e., reading and writing) and literate language skills (e.g., narrative skills) to promote better academic outcomes in school-age children. The investigators conduct a single-subject, multiple probe design across four participants to examine the functional relation between a telepractice intervention and two educational outcomes - reading self-corrections and narrative ability. Participants with language and literacy needs receive three weekly intervention sessions via ZOOM (a videoconferencing software). A single-subject, multiple-probe design across participants enables the examination of treatment effectiveness: If three replications of treatment effect are established across participants (i.e., visual analysis indicates evident behavioral change on progress-monitoring assessment), the proposed intervention yields a high likelihood of producing benefits to children who share similar learning needs. In addition to intervention effectiveness of telepractice, the investigators examine feasibility along two dimensions: Fidelity and scoring reliability. Fidelity here includes two components - fidelity of intervention (i.e., whether the intervention activities are implemented as intended) and procedural fidelity of probe assessment administration (whether the progress-monitoring probes are administered as intended). Scoring reliability (e.g., interobserver agreement) examines if the interventionist's scoring is consistent with a reliability coder's scoring. Evidence derived from analyses of fidelity, reliability, and intervention effectiveness will be examined collectively to determine the feasibility of delivering literacy and language intervention via telepractice.
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Reading Comprehension
Timeframe: Baseline to 4 months