When an English Learner Struggles Academically: Telling the Difference Between Second Language Acquisition and a Possible Learning Disability

What are best practices for isolating the source of an English learner student's academic difficulties? How do educators know if a student's issue is related to second-language acquisition, a learning disability, or some other factor?In this webinar, presented by the Regional Educational Laboratory West (REL West) at WestEd, Julie Esparza Brown (Portland State University) illustrates how a deep knowledge of the lives of English language learners can help educators assess students' English language acquisition progress and inform decisions about when — or if — to seek additional supports.Who Will BenefitGeneral education, English learner, and special education teachersCoordinators, school psychologists, principals, and district leadersWhat You Will LearnWhat is important to know about English learner students: their language development/profile, cultural background, life experiences, education experiences, and personal characteristicsThe second-language acquisition process and the differences between typical and atypical language developmentAppropriate supports and screening tool