Curriculum and Assessment Dual Language Learners

Curriculum and Assessment: Dual Language Learners

The number of preschoolers who are Dual Language Learners (DLLs) has been rapidly increasing throughout the state of Wisconsin in recent years. Many community and school programs are struggling with how to appropriately assess and teach these young learners given their different cultural and linguistic backgrounds.

The Wisconsin Early Childhood Collaborating Partners provides basic information on culturally and linguistically responsive ways to assess and instruct these very young learners. Links to additional resources are also provided in every topic area. Additional resources and information will be added to this Web site periodically.

Culturally and Linguistically Responsive Practices with Dual Language Learners (DLLs) Q&A (doc) - This document defines Dual Language Learners, describes various program models and assessment tools and offers links to additional resources
Accessing and Building on Background Knowledge of Preschool Dual Language Learners (doc) - Practical suggestions to enhance learning by expanding on children's prior knowledge and cultural background
Making Language Comprehensible for Dual Language Learners (DLLs) (doc) - Strategies to increase language comprehension and expression by Ruth Reinl, EC Consultant: Preschool Dual Language Learners, 2009
Additional resources related to Dual Language Learners - Department of Public Instruction listing of additional resources
Where We Stand on Responding to Linguistic and Cultural Diversity (pdf) - Position statement by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAECY) 2009
Where We Stand on Assessing Young English Language Learners (pdf) - Position statement by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) 2009
Understanding the Impact of Language Differences on Classroom Behavior - Center on the Social and Emotional Foundations for Early Learning Brief by R. M. Santos, M. M. Ostrosky