Episode 21Dual language learners, developmental language disorders, and educational policy with Laida Restrepo
Nov 16, 2019
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Laida Restrepo, an expert in dual language learners, developmental language disorders, and educational policy, discusses the impact of policies on dual language learners, intervention work with bilingual children, identifying language disorders and dyslexia, the modifiability scale and resilience, and the connection between theatre, literacy, and childhood books.
The impact of English-only policies in Arizona on native language development and the need for supporting bilingual education to enhance academic achievement.
A comprehensive approach for identifying language disorders in bilingual children, considering multiple sources of evidence and understanding unique language development patterns in both languages.
Deep dives
Issues around dual language learners
Lyda Restrepo and the host discuss various issues and challenges related to dual language learners, including educational policies, identification of developmental language disorder, and literacy growth. They also explore the impact of speaking more than one language on children with and without developmental language disorder.
Longitudinal study on bilingual children
The podcast highlights Lyda Restrepo's involvement in the language and reading research consortium (LARC), where they conducted a longitudinal study of bilingual children from preschool to third grade. They evaluated oral language, decoding, phonological awareness, and memory skills in Spanish and English. The study aims to understand how bilingualism affects language development and literacy skills.
Challenges faced by bilingual children in Arizona
Lyda Restrepo discusses the unique challenges faced by bilingual children in Arizona, particularly due to English-only policies and their impact on native language development. She emphasizes the importance of valuing bilingualism and providing opportunities for dual language immersion education to support the academic achievement of bilingual students.
Identification of language disorders in bilingual children
Lyda Restrepo highlights the importance of a comprehensive and multi-faceted approach for identifying language disorders in bilingual children. She suggests looking at converging evidence from various sources, including language samples, language assessments, standardized tests, parent and teacher reports. The discussion also emphasizes the need for considering the child's language history and the unique language development patterns in both languages.