SPD 560 Topic 3 DQ 2
How can educators make a distinction between literacy delays that are the result of
second language acquisition and those that are the result of a language disorder? What
are some specific considerations for intervention and assessment for students who are
language learners that also have a language disorder?
Delays in social and communication development can occur when children are
learning 2 or more languages. These delays can be a sign of developmental problems in
social-emotional development and cognition (Iris Center, 2023).
Questions to help determine if there is a language delay or language acquisition:
How long has the child been exposed to their home language?
Does the child have difficulties in their second language as well as their home
language?
Is the language difficulty happening in all settings? (ex: home, school, free time)
Have strategies been put in place to support the delay and did they make any
improvement
Considerations for intervention and assessment:
Be aware of the child’s culture and how it affects their learning
Initial instruction in the child’s home language
Collaborate with other professionals to develop appropriate strategies
Visual aids
Instruction in phonemic awareness
Systematic phonics instruction
Comprehension instruction
Peer assisted learning
Assessments in the child’s home language and English
(Louise Spear-Swerling, 2023).
Iris Center. (2023). Distinguishing Between Disability and Language Difference. What do teachers
need to know about young dual language learners with disabilities? Retrieved
from:
https://iris.peabody.vanderbilt.edu/module/dll/cresource/q1/p02/
Louise Spear-Swerling. (2023). Remediation. Learning Disabilities in English Language Learners.
Reading Rockets. Retrieved from:
https://www.readingrockets.org/topics/learning-
disabilities/articles/learning-disabilities-english-language-learners
