Building upon student strengths: The "Can Do" Approach
Lynn talks about the importance of identifying what students can do - as opposed to what they can't. See the complete interview with Lynn Shafer Willner in our Meet the Experts section.
There is no magic bullet in identifying or serving ELLs with disabilities
Lynn talks about the realization that neither she nor her special education colleague had a magic bullet for identifying ELLs with disabilities, and that special education placement did not guarantee adequate support for her ELLs.
Some clues to the difference between "Difference" and "Disability"
Lynn offers some clues to look for when figuring out the reasons a student may be struggling. See the complete interview with Lynn Shafer Willner in our Meet the Experts section.
Problems with special education identification rates for ELLs
Lynn talks about the wide range of percentages of dually-identified students by state. See the complete interview with Lynn Shafer Willner in our Meet the Experts section.
Is the programming for ELLs effective?
Debbie lays out the foundational questions that need to be asked when looking at whether ELLs are getting the services they need.
IDEA: An Overview
Debbie provides an overview of the IDEA legislation and its intent in identifying and serving kids with disabilities. See the complete interview with Debbie Zacarian in our Meet the Experts section.
Over- and under-identification of ELLs with disabilities
Dr. Debbie Zacarian describes why the appropriate identification of ELLs with disabilities is so challenging to get right.
Language vs. disability: Why are students struggling?
Debbie describes some of the questions that it is helpful to ask when looking at why a student is struggling.
See the complete interview with Debbie Zacarian in our Meet the Experts section.
Important data to collect about ELLs in special education
Debbie describes the kinds of data that are important to collect regarding dually-identified students. See the complete interview with Debbie Zacarian in our Meet the Experts section.
Student scenario: Li's parents
Continuing her student scenario, Debbie talks about the impact that engaging parents can have on making sure students get the support they need.