Planning language and literacy instruction and supplemental intervention for English Learners (ELs) in bilingual education programs begins by assessing their current performance, strengths, and needs. However, current functioning must be interpreted in relation to past performance and the nature and quality of instruction students have received…

Data from three interrelated studies of English Language Learners who were identified as having reading-related learning disabilities suggest that the majority of participants were misclassified. Bilingual education teachers and other educational professionals had difficulty distinguishing students for whom special education referral was…

Results are reported for an exploratory study of eligibility decisions made for 21 Spanish-speaking English language learners (ELLs) with learning disabilities (LD) and no secondary disabilities who received special education support in reading. Eligibility determinations by an expert panel resulted in decisions that differed significantly from…

The article examines reasons for over-referral of language minority students for learning disabilities placement including misinterpretation of problem behaviors stemming from linguistic or cultural differences and stresses the importance of documenting prior interventions to distinguish differences from handicapping conditions. (DB)

The paper, originally given at a 1986 Ethnic and Multicultural Symposium, sets forth a process to minimize inappropriate referrals of Hispanic students to special education. The prereferral procedure attempts to identify the sources of a student's learning problem and improve performance through determining student needs through consideration of…

The study examined policies and practices related to the reevaluation of 36 limited English proficient (LEP) and 36 non-LEP Hispanic students in elementary learning disability (LD) programs in two Texas urban school districts and how these policies and practices impact continued special education eligibility. The following specific objectives were…

Lack of educational progress of Hispanics and other language minority students has very important implications for special education as these students are very likely to be referred for special services. Language minority students are overrepresented in programs for the learning disabled, and, with the exception of Asian students, are…

This article presents a framework to guide special education services for English language learners. Policies and procedures that can minimize disproportionate representation are suggested, as are recommendations for appropriate referral, assessment, and instructional practices. Multidisciplinary teams are discussed and placement options for…

It is often difficult to distinguish those students with learning problems due to individual differences in learning styles or achievement difficulties from those students with specific disorders; failure to do so sometimes results in inappropriate referral of language minority students to special education. It also contributes to disproportionate…

This handbook describes the Assessment and Intervention Model for the Bilingual Exceptional Student (AIM for the BESt), an instructional/intervention approach to the education of language minority students. The model aims to improve academic performance through use of shared literature and Graves writing workshops, reduce inappropriate referrals…

The Assessment and Intervention Model for the Bilingual Exceptional Student (AIM for the BESt) was designed as a comprehensive service delivery system to help school districts address the educational needs of language minority students. The model incorporates prereferral intervention, assessment, and intervention strategies. Implementation of the…

The paper, originally given at a 1986 Ethnic and Multicultural Symposium, reports the results of a series of studies on the identification and placement of limited English proficient (LEP) Hispanic students. Research findings relate to the referral, assessment, and placement of LEP students in programs for the learning disabled, mentally retarded,…

This document is Part III of a research study examining special education service delivery for limited English proficient (LEP) Hispanic students who have been placed in programs for the learning-disabled, speech handicapped, and mentally retarded. The objectives of Part III of this study were: (1) identify the characteristics of Hispanic students…