Effects of a computer-assisted language intervention in a rural Nevada center

A computer-assisted language intervention, Fast ForWord-Language (FFW-L), was tested at a rural Nevada center in a group of children (Grades 2-12) referred by parents and teachers to assess enhancement of language skills. Given conflicting results from previous studies, language scores were measured using Clinical Evaluation of Language Fundamentals, Third Edition (CELF-3) before and after the FFW-L intervention. 58 children's CELF-3 postintervention scores were adjusted for age-specific expected changes and compared with pretest scores. Adjusted scores increased in both receptive and expressive domains of the CELF-3. Children with prior diagnoses of language and/or learning impairment did not differ from other referrals on adjusted CELF-3 adjusted gain scores after treatment. Thus the Fast ForWord-Language intervention may benefit a much broader group of children referred by parents and teachers for language or reading problems.