Differentiating Second Language Acquisition From Specific Learning Disability: An Observational Tool Assessing Dual Language Learners’ Pragmatic Competence

• Published in: Young exceptional children 2018-06, Vol.21 (2), p.92-110
• Main Author: Farnsworth, Megan
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Best Practices; Case Studies; Classroom Observation Techniques; Cues; Cultural Differences; Disproportionate Representation; Eligibility; English Language Learners; Evaluation Methods; Identification; Intervention; Language Proficiency; Language Skills; Language Tests; Language Usage; Learning Disabilities; Linguistic Theory; Pragmatics; Referral; Second Language Learning; Special Education; Student Evaluation; Young Children
• ISSN: 1096-2506; 2154-400X
• DOI: 10.1177/1096250615621356

Overrepresentation of Dual Language Learners (DLLs) in special education remains a problem even after 40 years of inquiry. One factor is that the U.S. federal government has neither clearly explained the definition of Specific Learning Disability (SLD) nor operationally defined it to identify children for special education services. This lack of clarification continues to pose challenges in developing SLD identification criteria, and has not taken into account DLLs' linguistic and sociocultural differences. The purpose of this article is to emphasize the need for educators to become familiar with social aspects of language (e.g., pragmatics) as crucial indicators of typical language development. To support educators' knowledge of pragmatic language use, an observation tool is introduced that allows educators to view the wide range of DLLs' linguistic abilities and an imperative piece in the larger evaluation puzzle for SLD eligibility. The article begins with an overview of second language acquisition stages and assessments, definition of SLD in IDEA (2004), and reasons why SLD is even more difficult to accurately assess in DLLs. Second, the need for authentic assessments including observation of DLLs in peer groups will be discussed, and how pragmatics gives clues on language competence. Then, a case study student is introduced to demonstrate how the benefits of language observation and transcription help determine typical language acquisition. Finally, suggestions are made for best practices in language assessment, which includes a pragmatic observation tool that helps educators draw a more accurate picture of DLLs' language abilities, which may help to reduce misidentification for SLD.