A Computerized Screening Instrument of Language Learnability
This article presents further analyses of a pilot study that examined the effectiveness of a computerized language screening instrument for 60 multicultural children (ages 7-8). Results suggest that because of its computerization and language learnability features, this innovative instrument may be an effective alternative to current screening procedures.
Alternative Assessment of Language and Literacy in Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Populations
This article explores some problems and recent solutions to the use of norm-referenced testing of children who are culturally and linguistically diverse (CLD). It describes two promising procedures to provide unbiased assessment of CLD children's language and literacy: the use of processing-dependent measures and of dynamic assessment measures.
Distinguishing Language Differences from Language Disorders in Linguistically and Culturally Diverse Students
Describes a methodology that educators can use to appropriately classify students who are linguistically and culturally diverse. The article lists the student behaviors to observe when distinguishing a language difference from a language disorder and illustrates how educators can conceptualize student background and current status in selecting various alternatives in special education.
Epilogue: Toward an Understanding of Literacy Issues in Multicultural School-Age Populations
This epilogue to a forum on literacy issues in school-age children from culturally and linguistically diverse (CLD) backgrounds highlights research findings that address: the importance of home environment in influencing literacy; the relationship between socioeconomic status and literacy; and the use of dynamic assessment and process-dependent measures as alternative assessments.
Home Literacy Experiences and Their Relationship to Bilingual Preschoolers' Developing English Literacy Abilities: An Initial Investigation
Forty-three Puerto Rican mother-child dyads in Head Start programs, grouped according to whether the children had learned Spanish and English from birth (n=28) or Spanish from birth and English in Head Start (n=15) participated in a study of home literacy experiences and emerging English literacy abilities. Results found that literacy development would benefit from increased exposure to literacy materials and events.
Prologue: Toward an Understanding of Literacy Issues in Multicultural School-Age Populations
This article introduces a forum that explores issues surrounding literacy in multicultural school-age populations. It discusses sociocultural factors that overshadow traditional literacy-learning objectives, the relationship between low socioeconomic status and low literacy, environmental influences that affect literacy, and culturally biased assessments that challenge educators to find reliable alternative assessments.
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