Evaluating factors such as culture, language, and student background
Alba discusses the importance of evaluating other factors that might be affecting student success, including culture and language.
Eliminating other factors before we make a referral
Dr. Alba Ortiz talks about some of the other factors that are important to review and eliminate before beginning a special education referral.
Communicating effectively with parents about student needs and services
Alba talks about the importance of accurate translations and clear explanations for ELL parents.
Big trends in the field: RTI and ESL training
Alba talks about two important trends she has seen recently, the use of RTI and increased certification in ESL.
Are the majority of students successful?
Alba explains that it is important to look at ELLs as a group in the classrooom or a school to see how well students are faring as a group.
Are students getting the services they need?
Alba explains that it is more important to look at whether ELLs are getting the services they need instead of whether they have similar rates of disability to the general population.
A career studying the intersection of special education and bilingual education
Alba talks about what she has learned by studying the relationship between special education and bilingual education on behalf of English language learners.
Special education is not always the answer
Dr. Nancy Cloud cautions against using special education as an intervention and assuming that it will automatically be helpful for ELLs.
Being an EL is not a disability
Dr. Debbie Zacarian explains why is important not to think of being an EL as a disability.
Including parents in the special education referral process
Debbie talks about important considerations for making sure that ELL parents are part of special education conversations and referrals.