The interview process has been an eye-opening experience thus far. The topic I am studying is dual language learners beginning with assessment. In my current school, the majority of students are bilingual or multilingual. Our early childhood program has a strong curriculum with experienced teachers who deliver a project-based approach to learning. However, we do not have an assessment in place that helps teachers measure language development. An assessment that can help inform teachers’ instruction in order to facilitate first and second language development is very much needed.
For the interviews, I chose to speak with two professionals in my school setting who are directly impacted by this issue. The first, Laura Watts-Patrick, is the ECC Vice Principal and responsible for leading teachers and guiding the entire program. Her challenge is ensuring that teachers are meeting the diverse needs of the students. Laura reports back to all stakeholders in the community on programs and progress on an on-going basis. The second, Renea Bartlett, is an ESL specialist and is responsible for meeting the needs of all children coming in to the school who do not speak English. Renea’s challenge is that she is only able to serve a very narrow range of students when at least 68% of the student population has language learning needs.
I interviewed both of these candidates via Skype. (Our school is currently on summer vacation so a Skype interview was necessary.) Having the ability to speak with them face-to-face was helpful because I was able to ask added questions depending on their response. One of the challenges was having to write everything down that was said. I should have taped the interviews so I could refer to them later. In addition, I would like to possibly interview experts from Teaching Strategies, LLC or the Center for Applied Linguistics, (CAL).
The challenge I am faced with now is finding more specific assessments as options. The assessments mentioned from both interviewees includes, the WIDA MODEL (Measure of Developing English Language), PALS (Phonological Awareness Literacy Screening), and the PPVT (Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test). Does anyone have suggestions for ways to assess language development for preschoolers? Have you used the assessment? What were some advantages/disadvantages with the assessment?
