Term
Summer 2024
Capstone
Capstone Project
Degree Name
MAT
Facilitator(s)
Karen L. Moroz
Content Expert
Melissa Chiri
Abstract
This research paper aims to answer the question, “what do teachers need to know in order to effectively screen kindergarten students for multilingual services?”. Through a synthesis of relevant research, the paper details the multilingual learner screening process in Minnesota, identifies inefficiencies and validity issues with the process, and suggests revisions to make the process more accurate. Researchers have emphasized the importance of accuracy in screening students, arguing that the overidentification of multilingual students is costly, stealing time and resources from students and teachers. There are many different strategies that can be taken at each step of the kindergarten multilingual learner screening process to make it more accurate. For example, the home language screener can be standardized and simplified, and supports can be offered to parents filling out the forms. In addition to the home language survey and W-APT, alternative assessments can be used to identify MLs, including parent interviews and academic performance portfolios. Finally, screener administrators should ensure that students are comfortable in their test-taking settings. The conclusion of this paper outlines ways in which the multilingual learner screener process for kindergarteners is flawed and provides actionable strategies for teachers and other stakeholders to rectify the process. This paper was written with the idea that its accompanying project, a professional development seminar, will amplify and leverage multilingual teachers’ wealth of knowledge on the process and continue to evolve with teachers’ collaboration.
Project Type
Professional Development
Keywords
Assessment, ESL/ ELLs, Staff Development, Teachers/ Teaching
Recommended Citation
Conover, Kathryn, "Best Practices in Screening Kindergarten Students for Multilingual Services" (2024). School of Education and Leadership Student Capstone Projects. 1061.
https://digitalcommons.hamline.edu/hse_cp/1061
dc_type
text
dc_publisher
DigitalCommons@Hamline
dc_format
application/pdf
dc_source
School of Education Student Capstone Projects