title: Developmental trajectories of writing skills in first grade: Examining the effects of SES and language and/or speech impairments.
abstract: We examined growth trajectories of writing and the relation of children's socio-economic status, and language and/or speech impairment to the growth trajectories. First grade children (N= 304) were assessed on their written composition in the fall, winter, and spring, and their vocabulary and literacy skills in the fall. Children's SES had a negative effect on writing quality and productivity. Children with language and/or speech impairment had lower scores than typically developing children in the quality and productivity of writing. Even after accounting for their vocabulary and literacy skills, students with language and/or speech impairment had lower scores in the quality and organization of writing. Growth rates in writing were not different as a function of children's SES and language/speech impairment status. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed.
authors.affiliation: Florida State University and Florida Center for Reading Research.
authors.forename: Young-Suk
authors.initials: YS
authors.lastname: Kim
authors.affiliation: University of Pittsburgh.
authors.forename: Cynthia
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Puranik
authors.affiliation: Sourthern Methodist University.
authors.forename: Stephanie Al
authors.initials: SA
authors.lastname: Otaiba
keywords: Developmental trajectories; Language impairment; SES; Speech impairment; Writing