Unbiased Speech-Language Assessment of Bilingual Students Learning English (An Introduction)

Unbiased Speech-Language Assessment of Bilingual Students Learning English (An Introduction)
March 06, 2021 | 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Members: FREE
Non-Members: $60

Registration is now closed
If you have any questions or would like to register still, please contact Katrina Woodward at 860-573-0120 or mshavpedplan@gmail.com

This presentation will give you an overview of who the bilingual student who is learning English in Boston Public Schools (or any other urban district) is; stages of second language acquisition; useful information to help you determine if the student presents with a language disorder or a language difference; and basic considerations when assessing a bilingual student who is learning English.

Rebeca Rivera Rivera is a Bilingual (Spanish-English) Speech-Language Pathologist working for the Boston Public Schools since 1990. She also worked for 4 years as an Evaluation Team Facilitator for the District coordinating and leading the eligibility meetings for special education. Currently in addition to working with students, she is also the Bilingual Liaison for the Related Services Department. As a dual-language learner herself, Ms. Rivera Rivera is passionate about improving the related services for this population, particularly in the area of fair and valid evaluations. To this aim she has created Professional Development for Related Service Providers, Teachers and Interpreters, and procedures on when and how to request interpreters for an evaluation within the Related Services Department. Ms. Rivera Rivera is also a lecturer for Boston University and Emerson College, presenting seminars on Best Practices for Working with Bilingual Students.

A native from Puerto Rico she acquired her Master of Science in Speech Language Pathology from the University of Puerto Rico, Medical Science Campus and a Bachelor's Degree in Special Education from the same University, Rio Piedras Campus.

Financial disclosure: Rebecca Rivera Rivera receives a salary from the Boston Public schools. She receives speaking fees for lecturing at Boston University and Emerson College. She is receiving an honorarium for this presentation.

Non-financial disclosure: Rebecca is a member of MSHA and a member of ASHA.

Learner Outcomes

• Have a better understand of who the bilingual student is
• Be able to recognize the stages of second language acquisition
• Have a clearer idea of who should NOT be referred for a Speech-Language evaluation if she/he is a student acquiring English as a second language.
• Be able to name the things you should take into consideration (best practices) when assessing a bilingual student and use them in your practice.

Timed Agenda

• 10:00-10:10 (10 minutes) Introduction and Video Reflection
• 10:10-10:20 (10 minutes) Cultural Competence/Bilingualism
• 10:20-10:40 (20 minutes)Stages of Second Language Acquisition
• 10:40-11:00 (20 minutes)
• Important Considerations When Assessing a Bilingual Student
• 11:00-11:40 (40 minutes) Case Studies
• 11:40-11:55 (15 minutes) Quick Recommendations for Bilingual Evaluations
• 11:55- 12:00 (5 minutes) Questions

ASHA requires participation in the CEU Registry to receive CEUs. If you are not part of ASHA’s CEU Registry, the Certificate of Completion will serve as documentation for ASHA CMHs.

This course has been approved for ASHA CEUs