The English learner population is growing rapidly—they now comprise 10.4% of the population and represent over 5 million students in today’s classrooms (National Center for Education Statistics, 2022). To mitigate the risk of misdiagnosing ELs, here are some ways that schools can adopt a more holistic and culturally sensitive approach to assessment:
Whenever possible, assessments should be given in both the student’s native language and English. In addition, researcher Dr. Elsa Cárdenas-Hagan recommends collecting a formal language sample to help determine their stage of language acquisition. These assessments will help give a clearer picture of whether the challenges are a result of lack of explicit instruction in English or related to a learning disability.
Educators should be taught the second-language acquisition process and how it manifests in the classroom. In addition, teachers and support staff need to have a solid understanding of the Structured Literacy approach to literacy acquisition and its modifications for ELs, so all students can thrive.
All school staff should also receive training on Culturally Responsive Teaching practices and be reflective of where they are along the Cultural Proficiency Continuum. Literacy leadership should also explore EL program models and determine the most inclusive environment for their students.
As with any student, rather than basing conclusions on a single evaluation, it’s essential to track the continuous progress of ELs. Progress in language acquisition can be differentiated from consistent patterns that are indicative of a learning disability.
Home Language Surveys are federally required to be given to every student and consistent communication throughout the year should be facilitated in the language noted on the survey. Students’ caregivers can provide valuable insights into their child’s behaviors, strengths, and challenges. They can also share if similar learning patterns were observed when the child was learning their native language.
Interested in learning more about creating supportive structured literacy systems for all learners, including ELs, within your district, school, or classroom? Let’s start a conversation.
We also have a brand-new literacy training course, created in direct partnership with renowned literacy researcher and EL expert, Dr. Cárdenas-Hagan. Specialized Reading Knowledge Bundle: English Learners helps all members of the classroom community develop the essential knowledge to accelerate language and literacy proficiency for English Learners in any program model with immediate instructional applications.
About AIM Institute: The AIM Institute for Learning & Research® is a non-profit center for educational excellence and professional development, providing educators with the latest research, technology, and best practices in the fields of literacy and language-based learning disabilities.