Researchers in the School-based Practices, Effectiveness and Research Lab conduct research to inform theory and policy, add to the evidence base in the science of child language and language disorders, and bolster implementation in school settings. SPEAR Lab projects aim to:

• Understand factors supporting language and literacy development in school-age children
• Develop valid, reliable, and educationally-relevant assessment methods for written language of children and adolescents with language and learning difficulties
• Develop and evaluate language and literacy intervention methods for children and adolescents with language disorders and/or learning disabilities
• Examine relevant policies and patterns of practice for speech-language assessment and therapy in schools