This unique guide for special education teachers, teachers of English language learners, and other practitioners provides the foundational information needed to determine whether the language difficulties experienced by English language learners (ELLs) result from the processes and stages of learning a second language or from a learning disability (LD). The book addresses the following critical factors in detail: determining whether an ELL's struggles with reading in English are due to LD or language acquisition; characteristics of language acquisition that can mirror LD; different types of ELLS and why these differences are important; considering a student's "opportunity to learn" when determining whether he or she may have LD; common misconceptions and realities about ELLs and the second language acquisition process; ways that learning to read in English as a second or additional language differ from learning to read English as a first language, and how the differences can be confusing for ELLs; how schools can establish structure to facilitate the process of distinguishing between language acquisition and LD; how families are involved in the process; guidelines for determining which ELLs should be referred for evaluation; and what it means to use an ecological framework to determine whether ELLs have LD.

Make the right instructional and eligibility decisions to help your English Learners! Do your students' reading difficulties reflect language acquisition issues or a learning disability? Now in an updated second edition, this essential guide helps educators make informed choices about strategies and services to support English Learners, and includes: Nine common misconceptions that can lead to wrongful placement of students in Special Education A new chapter on evidence-based practices for success in teaching reading to students learning English Appropriate techniques to use when assessing students for special education Expanded coverage of Response to Intervention to include a multi-tiered system of supports (MTSS)

This resource offers educators evidence-based best practices to help them address the individual needs of English learners with academic challenges and those who have been referred for special education services. The authors include guidance and specific tools to help districts, schools, and classrooms use Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) and other interventions. “Provides excellent guidance for meeting the complex needs of English learners with true learning disabilities. An outstanding resource.” —Alba Ortiz, professor emeritus, The University of Texas at Austin “A wonderful resource for those who have the opportunity to serve English learners in the classroom, including those with academic challenges.” —Martha Thurlow, National Center on Educational Outcomes, University of Minnesota “Readers will find practical guidance and tools grounded in the latest research for teaching English learners.” —Diane Haager, professor, California State University, Los Angeles “A valuable tool that bridges the latest research and practice on bilingual special education.” —Claudia Rinaldi, Lasell College

Using an interdisciplinary perspective to discuss the intersection of language development and learning processes, this book summarizes current knowledge and represents the most critical issues regarding early childhood research, policy, and practice related to young bilingual children with disabilities. The book begins with a conceptual framework focusing on the intersection between the fields of early childhood education, bilingual education, and special education. It goes on to review and discuss the role of bilingualism in young children’s development and the experiences of young bilingual children with disabilities in early care and education settings, including issues of eligibility and access to care, instruction, and assessment. The book explores family experiences, teacher preparation, accountability, and policy, ending with recommendations for future research which will inform both policies and practices for the education of young bilingual children with disabilities. This timely volume provides valuable guidance for teachers, administrators, policymakers, and researchers.

No single method has proven effective in differentiating between English learner students who have difficulty acquiring language skills and those who have learning disabilities. As a result, schools, districts, and states struggle with this issue. Misidentified students can end up in classrooms or programs mismatched to their needs, which could hamper their educational achievement. Research describes key elements of processes that can help identify and suggest appropriate services for English learner students with learning disabilities, and some states incorporate these elements into operational procedures, guidelines, and protocols. This book describes these key elements to inform policymakers interested in developing more effective procedures for identifying, assessing, and supporting English learner students who may have learning disabilities.

This book provides an overview of topics related to the language learning processes of learners with special needs including students with learning disabilities as well as Deaf language learners and methods of teaching foreign languages to them. The chapters written by authors in a wide variety of educational settings discuss individual learner characteristics and profiles, diagnosis and assessment issues and instructional programs.