Cross-Language Connections: Assessing for Dyslexia among Bilingual Learners

Accurately assessing emergent bilinguals for learning differences presents some of the most complex challenges in modern education. It demands specialized knowledge beyond monolingual assessment standards. Join Julia Betancourt and Nancy Rebarchik for this SPOD Diving Deeper session, a comprehensive, 300-word follow-up explicitly designed for educators and education leadership. You must refine your understanding and practical application of dyslexia assessment strategies for bilingual learners. This specialized training builds on their popular “Spotlight on Dyslexia” session and focuses intensively on the complexities of cross-language connections and cultural considerations. Ignoring these factors can lead to devastating misidentification or failure to identify needs altogether. Therefore, mastering reliable dyslexia assessment strategies for bilingual learners is essential to promoting equity.

This session offers advanced insights to enhance your ability to accurately identify and support dyslexic bilingual learners, ensuring literacy for all. You will gain essential, research-backed knowledge about building robust systems for identification and intervention, thereby promoting literacy for bilingual learners across your entire school or district. Furthermore, the presenters will address common pitfalls, misconceptions, and the specific diagnostic tools necessary for this population.

Key Strategies for Bilingual Dyslexia Assessment:

This SPOD Diving Deeper session provides advanced, actionable steps to improve assessment and intervention practices immediately. We’ll delve deeply into:

• Advanced Case Studies: We will conduct an in-depth analysis of complex scenarios in bilingual dyslexia assessment. These case studies move beyond the basics, focusing on differential diagnosis and distinguishing language acquisition issues from true learning disabilities.

• Data Point Analysis: We will identify and analyze the specific data points crucial for accurate identification. This includes analyzing data across both languages (L1 and L2) to ensure appropriate educational planning and to avoid bias.

• Referral Processes: Learn actionable steps to build robust, equitable referral processes for emergent bilinguals. This ensures timely and appropriate access to necessary evaluations and resources.

• Effective Interventions: Discover practical, proven strategies for implementing effective dyslexia interventions within your district or campus, specifically tailored to honor and leverage a student’s linguistic strengths. This includes practical tools and resources you can implement next week.

• Understanding Policy: Discuss the key policy considerations and legal mandates that impact the assessment and instruction of bilingual learners with dyslexia.

You will also have immediate access to the original “Cross-Language Connections” session, making this a complete, high-value professional learning experience within the SPOD series.