It can be challenging to distinguish between young multilingual learners language learning needs and the presence of a potential disability. As a result, multilingual learners are often inaccurately referred for special education services orthey miss out on the services they do require. Either scenario has lasting consequences for these children and their academic trajectories.
WestEd has recently released a report entitled “Resourcing Supports for Young Multilingual Learners with Suspected Disabilities in California: Learning Collaborative Recommendations” written by Elizabeth Burr and Jamey Burho and launched a cross-sector Learning Collaborative to promote robust instruction and accurate disability identification for young (prek through grade 2) multilingual learners. The Learning Collaborative reviewed current research and practice and developed high-leverage, actionable resourcing recommendations. This report summarizes those recommendations and outlines corresponding funding streams in three areas:
- Learning opportunities in preK
- High-quality Tier 1 Core Instruction in elementary settings
- Pre-referral supports, assessment, and special education referral
Click the link here to download the report and learn more