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ERIC Number: EJ782000
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2007
Pages: 16
Abstractor: Author
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0256-8543
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: N/A
Special Education Referral, Evaluation, and Placement Practices for Preschool English Language Learners
Hardin, Belinda J.; Roach-Scott, Marisa; Peisner-Feinberg, Ellen S.
Journal of Research in Childhood Education, v22 n1 p39 Fall 2007
The number of English language learners (ELLs) in early childhood regular and special education services has increased dramatically in the past decade. A survey was conducted with 141 early childhood administrators and teachers to examine their beliefs and practices concerning the special education referral, evaluation, and placement process for preschool ELLs and their families. Survey questions were designed to gather information about: (1) how cultural and language differences were addressed;(2) what strategies were used to ensure parent participation of ELL children; and (3) what training was available and being used by early childhood professionals. Data were coded and percentages of similar responses calculated to understand participants' beliefs, attitudes, and practices. Results indicate that inconsistencies in methods are used to determine home language and English proficiency, a lack of clarity regarding the purpose of instruments used for screening and evaluating ELL children, a need for reliable and valid screening and assessment tools in a variety of languages, a need for interpreters who are trained in early childhood terms and the special education referral, evaluation, and placement process, and a need for more teacher training on meeting the needs of culturally and linguistically diverse families. (Contains 9 tables.)
Association for Childhood Education International. 17904 Georgia Avenue Suite 215, Olney, MD 20832. Tel: 800-423-3563; Tel: 301-570-2111; Fax: 301-570-2212; e-mail: headquarters@acei.org; Web site: http://www.acei.org
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Early Childhood Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A