Determining whether English Learners have disabilities is difficult because English Learners acquiring English as a second language share many of the same characteristics of students with language or learning disabilities. Learn how to make appropriate special education referral and eligibility determinations.
● Learning Objectives
o Become familiar with system-level and individual-level factors that contribute to school failure for English Learners
o Identify factors that bias special education referral and eligibility determinations for English Learners
o Learn strategies for culturally and linguistically responsive practices in referral, assessment, and eligibility determinations for English Learners
o Consider ways to incorporate Response to Intervention data in special education assessments
o Identify indicators that support special education referral and eligibility determinations
o Consider ways to link general education, bilingual education, ESL, and special education programs and services for English Learners