What are some factors that relate to the reasons why some ELLs have Special Education needs?

 



Factors that influence the identification of English language learners with special needs:

• Limited prior schooling
• lack of proficiency in English
• native language background
• cultural expectations and personal or family concerns

Identification of English language learners with special needs should include consideration of the following factors:

• Family history
• Developmental and health history
• First language and literacy development
• Previous schooling
• Cultural attitudes toward education
• Learning styles
• Learners' current academic ability

Many factors can influence the identification of ELLs with special education needs. It is important to know how to distinguish an ELL and an ELL that has a learning disability when it comes to literacy. Limited prior schooling affects an ELL because the student has not been given a sufficient amount of schooling. This limits the students abilities in his/her native language thus creating a hindrance in learning English. With the proper procedures carried out under IDEA one who lacks proficiency in  English, could be eligible for special needs. Other factors, such as culture and family background, also play a role in the influence of identification of ELLs with special needs. However, if the aforementioned factors are present, one cannot be assumed to have a disability until more factors are taken into consideration.

Family history
If the student displays a family history that seems to affect his/her literacy, it should be considered.

Developmental and health history
If the student has a history or record in these categories, it should also be considered as an important factor of identifying an ELL with special needs.

First language and literacy development
Is the student literate in his/her native language? Does he/she have enough background knowledge in his/her native language in order to learn a new one?

Previous schooling
Like mentioned before, previous schooling or lack of, plays a role in determining a students academic level.

Cultural attitudes toward education
Is education vital to the students culture? What do they believe? What do they not believe? What is taught?As an instructor, having some knowledge of the student's culture and educational views matters.

Learning styles
Once again,what type of learner is the student? Having knowledge of this will definitely help the teacher to create success with the student whether there are special needs or not.

Learners' current academic ability
What level is the student currently at academically? Is he/she above/below/at their grade level?

 Morrison,S. CAL Resource Guides Online. Retrieved fom:http://www.cal.org/resources/archive/rgos/special.html