COURSE
Language vs. Disability
This 2-hour, self-paced course equips educators and evaluators with the knowledge and tools needed to distinguish language development from potential disability in multilingual learners. Participants will examine why questions about disability arise, explore systemic challenges, and learn language acquisition norms alongside practical structures for evaluation. Special attention is given to recognizing and addressing disproportionality in special education referrals and using data to inform equitable, systemwide practices.
This course can be used independently or as part of a professional learning sequence for schools and districts serving multilingual learners.
TYPE
District Purchase
What Educators will Learn
Objectives
Understand common concerns that prompt disability referrals for multilingual learners.
Recognize challenges and systemic barriers to accurate identification.
Develop foundational understanding of language acquisition norms.
Identify key structures and practices for equitable evaluation.
Key Outcomes
Gain confidence responding to concerns about multilingual learners’ academic and behavioral needs.
Identify and mitigate common pitfalls in evaluating multilingual learners for special education.
Apply language acquisition norms to distinguish typical development from potential disability.
Use clear structures and collaborative processes for referral and evaluation decisions.
Analyze school or district data to identify disproportionality trends and drive system-level improvements in practice.
YOUR INSTRUCTOR
Dana Gastich French
I have spent the past two decades in education, learning and serving as an ESL and bilingual teacher, instructional coach and district-level administrator. I am truly in my joy when working with educators to hone their craft! I believe that multilingualism is the gold standard for education. Multilingual learners are not students in need of fixing but rather they are a group of learners who are positioned to contribute greatly to society if our pedagogy, curricula and practices reflect a multilingual norm. By updating our practices to reflect a global society, we leverage the assets of MLLs, deepen learning and engagement for students and educators, and contribute to a greater humanity.
Request Info
Send us a message indicating your interest in the course, and we’ll be in touch!