How to Distinguish a Barrier Due to Second Language Acquisition Versus a Learning Disability?

Baude, S. Distinguishing a Learning Disability Versus a Barrier to Second Language Acquisition (2020) The research question addressed in this project was How to Distinguish A Learning Disability Versus A Barrier Due to Second Language Acquisition? Research shows that there is a disproportionate number of English Language Learners (ELLs) in special education. The over and under representation of this population in special education can be linked to the evaluation process. This capstone documents one teachers creation of a professional development to promote better understanding of second language acquisition and acculturation and assimilation along with a tool that can be used to better understand where students are struggling and if they need referral to special education. The project is designed to ease the process for educators in understanding where their students difficulties lie. Implications for future research would be continued study of how this tool aids in reducing over and under referral of English Language Learners to special education programs. The project was created to assist educators by giving them information for understanding English Language Learners and how second language acquisition has similar characteristics to a learning disability