An integrated, global approach to language assessment.
Elizabeth Carrow-Woofolk, Ph. D.

• Age Range: 3 through 21 years

Comprehensive, easy to administer, linked to classroom instruction, and rooted in an integrated theory of language, OWLS-II provides the information needed to identify, and remediate, oral and written language problems.

Because its four scales measure a variety of oral and written language structures, cover a wide age range, and are co-normed, OWLS-II is an excellent way to:

• Identify studentswith learning disabilities, language disorders, and related difficulties, in accordance with IDEA requirements
• Design targeted interventionsthat address potential academic difficulties
• Monitor progress, using the new, parallel form
• Gather longitudinal data for research purposes

Measuring four language processes-separately and in relation to one another-OWLS-2 provides the most complete, accurate and useful picture of language skills available. It evaluates four language processes on four separate scales:

• Listening Comprehension 
• Oral Expression
• Reading Comprehension 
• Written Expression

Each of these scales assesses four linguistic structures:

• Lexical/Semantic  
• Syntactic
• Pragmatic  
• Supralinguistic

Because it looks at the same linguistic structures, across four distinct language processes, the OWLS-2 provides an unusually detailed, coherent and integrated assessment. Although the four scales can be used separately, together they provide a comprehensive score profile that pinpoints language delays, identifies strengths and weaknesses in all areas, and guides intervention.

Listening Comprehension and Oral Expression Scales
Together, these two scales assess receptive and expressive language in 3- through 21-year-olds. Individually administered, both use basals and ceilings to ensure that examinees are given only items that closely approximate their ability levels. Neither scale requires reading, on the examinee’s part, and both scales feature colorful, updated artwork that’s balanced in terms of race, gender and physical differences.
 

The Listening Comprehension Scale uses a convenient easel to measure receptive language. The examiner reads a stimulus word aloud, and the student responds by indicating one of four pictures that best depicts the meaning of the word. The Oral Expression Scale, with its own handy easel, measures expressive language, requiring the examinee to answer questions, finish sentences, and generate sentences in response to visual and oral prompts. Alternate, acceptable responses are provided to accommodate students who speak African-American English.

Reading Comprehension and Written Expression Scales
The Reading Comprehension Scale, new to the second edition, measures the receptive aspects of written language. Based on the same theory and structure as other OWLS-II scales, it is uniquely effective in identifying language factors that may be impairing, or facilitating, reading comprehension. Items require the student to read a prompt, then choose one of four response options. The Written Expression Scale measures expressive aspects of written language. Item additions and revisions enhance the scale’s validity and scope, as well as its ability to elicit a variety of responses and assess higher-functioning individuals. 

Age-based item sets are used, rather than basals and ceilings, to ensure only developmentally-appropriate items are administered. Each set includes 14-18 items involving writing tasks similar to those in the classroom. Some tasks are open-ended, others are structured, requiring copying a word or a dictated sentence. Together, these writing tasks measure the four linguistic structures assessed by the other OWLS-II scales, as well as conventions (spelling, punctuation/capitalization, letter formation) and text structure (organization, details, cohesion).

New, Parallel Form
OWLS-II introduces a parallel form, that allows retesting on all scales, after a brief interval. Form B, which can be used with ages 5 and up, makes it easier to monitor language development over time.

Scores in Several Formats
All four scales provide age- and grade-based standard scores, test-age equivalents, grade equivalents, percentile ranks and descriptive labels (Exceptional, Above Average, Average, Below Average, Possibly Disordered). Scale scores can be combined to produce five Composites: Oral Language, Written Language, Receptive Language, Expressive Processing and Overall Language.

The OWLS-II Profile Form (included in Comprehensive Kits and available as a FREE download) provide a clear, graphic representation of performance in each area. In addition, the Form notes the linguistic structure measured by each item, allowing quick comparison of a student’s ability across scales, linguistic categories and items.

All OWLS-II scales are normed on a sample of 2,123 subjects for 3 through 21 years of age, and nationally representative in terms of gender, ethnicity, geographic region and parental education. Age-stratified norms are provided at 3-month intervals for ages 3-7, at 6-month intervals for ages 8-21, at 1-year intervals for ages 13-15, and at multi-year intervals for ages 16 and up.

Optional Computer Scoring and Interpretation
The OWLS-II Scoring Program converts raw scores to scale scores, compares scale scores, calculates composites and generates a graphic score profile.  It also provides high-level item analysis and a narrative synopsis.

The OWLS-II Comprehensive Software Kit covers all four scales, and includes the Listening Comprehension/Oral Expression and Reading Comprehension/Written Expression Kits, one Foundations of Language Assessment Handbook, 10 Profile Forms and an unlimited-use Scoring CD. The OWLS-II Comprehensive Hand-Scored Kit does not include the Scoring CD.

The OWLS-II Listening Comprehension (LC) and Oral Expression (OE) Kit includes 10 LC/OE Record Forms, Easels, a Manual and Foundations of Language Assessment. The Reading Comprehension (RC) and Written Expression (WE) Kit includes 10 RC/WE Record Forms, 10 WE Response Booklets, WE Easel, a Manual and Foundations of Language Assessment. Unlimited-use Scoring Software (31211C) can be ordered separately.