Session Description

Supporting the language development of dual language learners (DLLs) in early childhood (EC) is crucial given that language is foundational to children’s literacy development and overall academic success (CITE). The use of comprehensive and equitable methods of assessing DLLs’ language development is an essential first step towards providing DLLs with the appropriate supports to facilitate their language learning at home and at school. The goal of this session is to share insights from an evaluation team for the comprehensive language assessment of DLLs in an EC program serving families from linguistically diverse backgrounds. We will begin by describing the importance of supporting DLLs’ language development and how comprehensive assessment practices may help to reduce the risk of misidentification of DLLs for special education services. Next, we will discuss the practical challenges that EC programs may face in implementing comprehensive practices to assess DLLs’ language development. This may include the limited availability of valid language assessments designed for DLLs, varying levels of staff knowledge about multilingual language development, and practical ways to involve families in the assessment process. Finally, we will describe assessment practices and strategies from a converging evidence framework, which draws on multiple information to collectively provide an in-depth account of DLLs’ linguistic knowledge, skills, and areas of growth to guide educational decision-making (Castilla-Earls et al., 2020; Wang et al., 2024).

Learning objectives