EL Students with Disabilities Report

Key elements of processes to help identify and support English learner students with learning disabilities can inform education leaders determining which English learner students may need placement in special education programs as opposed to other assistance.

This report identifies guiding principles that suggest ways to identify and recommend assistance for English learner students with possible learning disabilities:

• Having a clear policy statement that additional considerations will be used in placing English learner students in special education programs.
• Providing test accommodations for English learner students.
• Having exit criteria for English language support programs for English learner students in special education.
• Assessing English learner students’ language and disability needs using a response to intervention approach.
• Publishing extensive, publicly available manuals to aid educators in identifying and supporting English learner students who have learning disabilities. 

Access the full WestEd report here.