The Latin Post – Nicole Akoukou Thompson
“Dual language learners have increased massively within the last few years, due greatly to immigration and the organic growth of Spanish-dominate U.S. born Latinos. That said, there’s evidence that identifying and supporting bilingual or multilingual students earlier in their cognitive development/educational process does not seem to be a state or national priority, although it can make all the difference in their future. Very few states demand early language assessments in early education programs, according to a new webinar by the Center on Enhancing Early Learning Outcomes (CEELO) and the National Institute for Early Education Research (NIEER), titled “Young Immigrants and Dual Language Learners: Participation in Pre-K & Gaps at Kindergarten Entry.” A meager 40 percent of pre-K programs in 40 states require language assessment and the screening of children enrolled in those programs. Even less (38 percent) utilize home language surveys to pre-screen children or implement policies that make translators and bilingual staff accessible (30 percent).”(more)