Supporting Struggling Students in a Bilingual Classroom by Jake E

Initial Observation

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Note academic and behavioral struggles (e.g., low comprehension, avoidance of reading, off-task behavior)

Document Evidence

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Keep samples of student work. Record specific incidents/concerns. Use formative assessments.

Informal Support & Differentiated Instruction

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Adjust instruction (e.g., simplify language, provide visuals, use L1 when appropriate). Small-group or one-on-one support. Incorporate multisensory approaches.

Is the student making progress with these supports?

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Yes

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No

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Continue support & monitor

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Language vs. Learning Disability Screening

egelhja — 2025-06-05 09:48:53 UTC

Evaluate language exposure and proficiency in both L1 and English. Use tools like WIDA or informal ESL checklists. Confer with ESL specialist or bilingual teacher. (If difficulties are present across both languages, it may point to a learning disability. If difficulties are limited to English, it may be a language acquisition issue.)

Collaboration & Parent Involvement

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Share concerns with family (use interpreters if needed). Ask about literacy exposure, home language use, and history. Discuss strategies used and progress observed.

Consultation with Specialists

egelhja — 2025-06-05 09:54:57 UTC

Bring concerns to Teaching Quality Manager (TQM) or equivalent.

Collaborate with:

Lead Teacher, Psychologist (If possible), ESL coordinator

Formal Referral (if necessary)

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Submit documentation and request evaluation. Include ELL considerations in evaluation plan. Continue classroom supports during evaluation process.

Post-Evaluation Plan

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If eligible

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Develop IEP or 504 (or equivalent) plan with team.

If not eligible

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Revisit and refine classroom strategies.

References

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1. American Psychiatric Association. (n.d.). What is intellectual disability? https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/intellectual-disability/what-is-intellectual-disability

2. Edutopia. (2020, January 6). How to support ELL students in the classroom [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q2XlAWcMAUk

3. National Center for Learning Disabilities. (n.d.). National Center for Learning Disabilities. https://ncld.org/

4. IRIS Center. (n.d.). Dual language learners: Strategies for teaching English language learners. Vanderbilt University. https://iris.peabody.vanderbilt.edu/module/dll/cresource/q1/p02/

5. Learning Disabilities Association of America. (n.d.). Eligibility: Determining whether a child is eligible for special education services. https://ldaamerica.org/info/eligibility-determining-whether-a-child-is-eligible-for-special-education-services/

6. WIDA. (n.d.). About WIDA. University of Wisconsin–Madison. Retrieved June 5, 2025, from https://wida.wisc.edu/about