Learning Disability or Language Learning Challenge?

The Department of Psychology's Diversity & Multicultural Series presents

“Learning Disability or Language Learning Challenge? Intersecting Interests for English Language Learners”

by Dr. Katy Arnett
Oct 1 @ 3pm
Goodpaster Hall 117

The fastest growing demographic in schools is the English Language Learner (ELL) population; nearly 20% of children in U.S. schools speak English as a second lan-guage, and this number is expected to grow over the next several decades (Lapkoff & Li, 2007). The process of learning a second language is long and arduous and likely bumpy; in some ways, struggles with second language learning look like a "learning disability" to the teachers, administrators, and support personnel of schools, which can lead to misdiagnosis and misaligned supports for the ELLs.

In this interactive session, SMCM’s own Dr. Katy Arnett will explore current challenges facing the ELL population, as it pertains to the diagnosis of learning disabilities. Through a series of simulations, participants will explore the potential challenges teachers and qualified professionals face when an ELL is making limited progress in language learning, to help participants see the similarities and differences between typical language learning challenges and a formal learning disability. Interspersed with the simulations will be overviews of research about the experience of learning a second language, research on dual language development for children with known im-pairments, new ways stakeholders are trying to more accurately identify learning dis-abilities within the ELL population, and how the current testing mandates in schools and for teacher preparation may be adding to the problem.

Lapkoff, S. & Li, R.M. (2007) Five trends for schools. Educational Leadership, 64, 6, 8-15. 

This session can accommodate a limited number of students. Students wishing to attend should place their names on the sign-up sheet located at Room 125 Goodpaster Hall by Sept 24.

Co-sponsored by the Lecture & Fine Arts Committee and the Department of Educational Studies. Refreshments provided.

Attendance of this event and an accompanying scholarly paper counts as one experiential unit toward the Diversity Requirement for PSYC majors entering the College under the 02-03 catalog or later.