This book is a tool to assist educators working with Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CLD) students in the challenging task of delivering practical, student-centered assessment and instruction based on recommendations from research in developmental and constructivist perspectives. This approach is referred to throughout the book as the “Ethnic Educator” perspective in order to emphasize how educators must be responsive to the needs of CLD students and their families in order to provide effective assessment and instruction. This book attempts to integrate research and practice in the areas of bilingual and multicultural education, bilingual special education, and developmental and educational psychology.

Table of Contents:
Figures. Tables. Foreword. Preface. 1. Understanding Cultural and Linguistic Diversity and Disability. Diversity, Discrimination, and Education. The “New” Mainstream Student The CLD Student at Risk The CLD Student with Disabilities Building Shared Concerns. Bilingualism and Education. Language Diversity in the United States An Overview of Bilingualism A Glimpse at the State of Bilingual Education. Disability and Education. Disability Awareness A Glimpse at the State of Special Education. Serving Students with Dual Needs. An “All One System” Philosophy. References. 2. Legal Aspects of Bilingual and Special Education. Achieving Educational Equity. Struggle for the Right to Culturally and Linguistically Appropriate Education. Legislative Actions Civil Rights Legislation Discretionary Funding: The Bilingual Education Act Litigative Actions State Policies. Struggle for the Right to a Free, Appropriate Education for Students with Disabilities. Litigative Action Legislative Actions The Rehabilitation Act of 1973 The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. Protecting the Rights of CLD Students with Disabilities. Future Legal Actions • Recommendations. 3. Separating Mild Disabilities from Cultural and Linguistic Differences: Assessment Problems and Approaches. Methodological, Educational, and Theoretical Problems Affecting the Accurate Assessment of CLD Students. Difficulty of Conducting a Differential Diagnosis in CLD Students. Psychometric Properties of Standardized Tests. Influence of Educators' Attitudes on Understanding the Needs of CLD Students. The Lack of Theories for Explaining Development in CLD Students. Assessment Approaches: Educational Implications for CLD Students. Psychometric Approach The “Missionary”Approach Behavioral Approach The “Ethnic Researcher” Approach. References. 4. Separating Mild Disabilities from Cultural and Linguistic Differences: Recommended Alternative Assessment Practices. Pre-Referral Intervention Strategies and Models. Assessment Objectives. Alternative Assessment Methods. Portfolio Assessment Processes Observation Performance Assessment. References. 5. Separating Mild Disabilities from Cultural and Linguistic Differences: Qualitative Use of English and Spanish Tasks (QUEST). The Qualitative Use of English and Spanish Tasks (Quest). Model Objectives of QUEST Description of QUEST Tasks Instructions for Administration and Scoring Stimuli of QUEST. Case Study. Implementation of QUEST: Applied Problem Bilingual Family Home Language Survey Parents' and Teachers' Surveys QUEST in English QUEST in Spanish The Ravens Coloured Progressive Matrices Diagnosis Recommendations Discussion Conclusions. Theoretical and Practical Implications of Implementing QUEST. References. 6. How to Link Assessment with Instruction for CLD Students. Linking Assessment and Instructional Needs and Objectives. Summative and Formative Measures. Literacy. Language Experience Approach Storytelling Story Reading Representation Massed Experiences Family Involvement Interactive Dialogue Activity and Object Uses Critical Thinking Choices. Guidelines for Linking Assessment and Instruction When Using Qualitative Assessment Methods. References. 7. How to Instruct CLD Students. Need for Better Educational Programs for CLD Students. Lack of a Common Philosophy for the Placement of CLD Students. Students Across Schools, School Districts, States, and the U.S. Nation. Early Mainstreaming of CLD Students. Multidimensional Bilingual Educational Program for Young CLD Students. Model. Instructional Program Proposed. Specific Objectives and Sample Activities Educators Training Parent Orientation. References. 8. Working with (CLD) Families. Family Development: Selected Background. Goals of Family Involvement. Comprehensive Goals • Expanded Goals Communication Partnerships. Recommended Strategies to Increase Parental Involvement of CLD Families. Conferences Home Visits Family Liaison Parent Advisory Committee Family Education Workshops The Print Media Volunteers. References. 9. Organizing and Delivering Supportive Services to CLD Students. CLD Students and the National Education Goals. Developing Plans for School Improvement. References. 10. A Dialogue on Futuristic Views in Bilingual Special Education. Index.