In this session we go over course requirements. We will explore the evaluation process as it applies to emergent bilinguals (i.e., English Language Learners) and bilingual students. We will consider: disproportionality in special education; technical properties of psychological tests that affect bilingual assessment; legal and ethical considerations; and the examiner’s cultural and linguistic competency.
1. According to Mahoney, which assessment practices are more effective and which ones might not be helpful and yield more of a deficit for emergent bilinguals?
2. According to Mahoney, what is the PUMI framework?
3. Describe several historical events that have influenced the assessment of emergent bilinguals.
4. What contributes to the overrepresentation of minorities, including emergent bilinguals, in special education?