The Rubrics have been created with the developmental norms (age of acquisition and age of mastery) of the skills in the Language Processing hierarchy:

* Labeling

* Functions

* Associations

* Categorization

* Similarities

* Differences

Deficits in these skills are often identified by Speech-Language Pathology assessments and surface as weak vocabulary, weak word finding, weak auditory and reading comprehension, weak written output, difficulty with humour and general Language Arts difficulties. The goal is for students to be proficient in the SWAP skills corresponding to their age, thereby incorporating skills expected at earlier ages.

The SWAP Templates are intended to be used throughout the year for any words that arise during the year, that are meaningful to the class/curriculum.