KASP Connect & Consult

English Language Learners and Reading Difficulties

Presented by Sandra Cobos, Ed.D. & Alex Fender, NCSP

Evaluating reading difficulties in English learners requires an understanding of both the science of reading and the linguistic, cultural, and educational factors that influence literacy development. This session explores foundational reading processes, differences across writing systems, and the influence of language acquisition on reading performance. Through a bilingual psychoeducational evaluation case study, presenters will examine how language proficiency, instructional opportunities, and multiple sources of assessment data can help school psychologists distinguish language-related differences from potential reading disabilities and make equitable, defensible evaluation decisions.

This presentation is in alignment with the following NASP Domains of practice:

• Domain 1 (Data-Based Decision Making): Using multiple sources of assessment data, language proficiency information, and instructional history to distinguish language acquisition differences from potential reading disabilities.
• Domain 3 (Academic Interventions and Instructional Supports): Understanding the science of reading, foundational literacy processes, differences across writing systems, and the influence of language acquisition on reading development.
• Domain 8 (Equitable Practices for Diverse Student Populations): Considering linguistic, cultural, and educational factors when evaluating English learners to ensure culturally responsive, equitable assessment practices.
• Domain 9 (Research and Evidence-Based Practice): Applying research on reading development, language acquisition, and bilingual assessment to interpret evaluation results.
• Domain 10 (Legal, Ethical, and Professional Practice): Making equitable, defensible special education evaluation decisions that account for language differences and help prevent inappropriate disability identification.

Kansas Association of School Psychologists (KASP) is approved by the National Association of School Psychologists to offer continuing education for school psychologists.  KASP maintains responsibility for the program.