As a former Speech Language Pathologist, and a child development specialist I can attest that they have been changing the speech and language standards on the standardized tests at least since the 1980's. They first altered the Articulation standards by including dialect speech. This standardized articluation test was based on midwestern speech patterns (considered the gold standard for years). They then added Black, Appalacian and other dialects to the test.
They have subsequently changed the Preschool Language Test multiple times through the years, too. Some of these changes were done to provide more updated pictures, but the standards were altered, too. Actually they raised the test standards so less kids would receive therapy saving counties and school districts money from treatment. I no longer had kids with minor speech problems on my caseloads, but many with multiple issues. So I am surprised they would lower the standards now.
FWIW I also saw an increase over the years in autism. I am totally aware of a family of 3 boys who were all most likely vaccine damaged from the MMR shot. I saw the two younger children before their shot and they were functioning normally. Afterwards, they were both diagnosed as autistic like their older brother whom I saw initially in my practice.
As a former Speech Language Pathologist, and a child development specialist I can attest that they have been changing the speech and language standards on the standardized tests at least since the 1980's. They first altered the Articulation standards by including dialect speech. This standardized articluation test was based on midwestern speech patterns (considered the gold standard for years). They then added Black, Appalacian and other dialects to the test.
They have subsequently changed the Preschool Language Test multiple times through the years, too. Some of these changes were done to provide more updated pictures, but the standards were altered, too. Actually they raised the test standards so less kids would receive therapy saving counties and school districts money from treatment. I no longer had kids with minor speech problems on my caseloads, but many with multiple issues. So I am surprised they would lower the standards now.
FWIW I also saw an increase over the years in autism. I am totally aware of a family of 3 boys who were all most likely vaccine damaged from the MMR shot. I saw the two younger children before their shot and they were functioning normally. Afterwards, they were both diagnosed as autistic like their older brother whom I saw initially in my practice.