Which statement is true about Michigan SLI eligibility criteria?

• A. It must adversely affect educational performance
• B. It requires no interference with language use
• C. It is limited to phonology only
• D. It does not require a speech-language impairment

Answer: (A)

The key point is that Michigan SLI eligibility requires the student’s speech-language impairment to adversely affect educational performance and necessitate special education services. In other words, there must be a noticeable impact on learning or school functioning due to the communication disorder.

That’s why this statement is the true one: the adverse effect on educational performance is the deciding criterion for eligibility. If a child has a speech-language impairment but it does not affect school performance, they typically wouldn’t meet the eligibility threshold under this framework.

Context to keep in mind: SLI covers more than just sounds or phonology. Language disorders can involve grammar, vocabulary, sentence structure, and pragmatic use of language, and the impairment must interfere with the child’s ability to benefit from instruction. It’s not about the absence of impairment, nor is it limited to phonology.