EESA: Early Echoic Skills Assessment and Program Planner Set

EESA is a unique criterion-referenced assessment tool and program planning resource for anyone responsible for developing early speech skills, regardless of a learner's age. EESA focuses on evaluating and developing the ability to echo, or repeat, what is heard. Why is this important? Because strong echoic skills can support and fast-track the acquisition of other spoken language skills, in contexts that are often more powerful and useful for communication, like asking for things,...
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EESA is a unique criterion-referenced assessment tool and program planning resource for anyone responsible for developing early speech skills, regardless of a learner's age. EESA focuses on evaluating and developing the ability to echo, or repeat, what is heard. Why is this important? Because strong echoic skills can support and fast-track the acquisition of other spoken language skills, in contexts that are often more powerful and useful for communication, like asking for things, commenting on one's environment, and having conversations. So, for early or fledgling speakers, a robust foundation in echoing can lead to more effective spoken interactions.Contents descriptionThe EESA manual is a combination textbook, speech assessment, program planning guide, and materials resource. Two introductory chapters discuss what is required, mechanically and behaviorally, to learn to speak, and what makes spoken phrases easy or difficult to produce. These discussions are presented in easy-to-understand terminology for all readers to benefit. Mini-worksheets are included throughout for readers to check their understanding of material presented and to practice writing sample speech targets at various difficulty levels.The main feature is the manual's formal EESA Test Protocol, preceded by an optional EESA pretest to evaluate emergent echoic skills, a preliminary "readiness tool" for the formal assessment. These assessments are followed by the EESA Work Packet, guiding the user through Results Analysis and Program Planning to develop an initial speech training program for their learner. Throughout, a behavioral training approach is explained, so users can design programs that integrate the echoic skill with other powerful language skills, such as requesting, commenting, and having conversations.? Introduction. Discusses the behavioral and mechanical basis for speech development.? Syllable Complexity. Explains elements of syllables that make speech easy or difficult.? EESA Pretest. Determines if a learner is ready for the full EESA test.? EESA Test Protocol. Assesses five groups of increasingly complex echoic skills. ? EESA Work Packet. Guides user through results analysis and target selection.? Program Planning. Gives directions for skills to strengthen, based on EESA results.