CALSA Summer Institute 2025

This session explores the intersection of language development and disability to ensure equitable assessment practices for multilingual learners who may meet eligibility for special education. Participants will examine how to distinguish language acquisition from potential learning disabilities through culturally and linguistically responsive assessment approaches. The session will cover legal and ethical considerations, the role of pre-referral interventions, bias reduction in assessment tools, and collaborative strategies across general education, special education, and English learner services. Attendees will leave with practical tools and frameworks to guide comprehensive, asset-based evaluations that uphold educational equity and support accurate identification and services for dually identified students.