Skip to content

Multilingual Learners & Special Education

Pre-Referral Process | Considerations for MLs & Special Education

Do you have an ML student who you think may need to be evaluated for Special Education or who you notice is struggling significantly? Click the button below to set up a consultation with your Language Teacher Specialist. They can help you set up interventions that address linguistic & cultural factors by looking into the student's background, language proficiency level, and working with you through the RTI process. Along with your school's pre-referral team, we can determine if the student may need an evaluation for Special Education services, or more focused interventions & scaffolded support with language and accessing content. Request a Language Consultation We are required to follow State and Federal Laws when referring a Multilingual Learner for SpEd. Work with Language & Culture Services to make sure your school is in compliance.

Pre-Referral Process

Make sure you are taking the right steps when considering starting the pre-referral process for an ML. Always contact your Language Teacher Specialist first.

Response to Intervention (RtI)

      • Teachers reach out to LCS Teacher Specialist as soon as there is a concern about a Multilingual Learner (ML) not making appropriate success. If a student has a pink "L" on Skyward, LCS must be involved, even if the newest Home Language Survey says English.
      • LCS will consult with the classroom teacher as well as the school referral team, if possible, to make an individual plan for the ML and choose language interventions.
      • Teachers gather data based on language interventions chosen with LCS.
      • LCS meets with teachers and school referral team to discuss the results of RtI and determine next steps.
      • Repeat as needed.

If Testing is Needed After RtI

      • LCS Team will notify SpEd Teacher, General Ed Teacher, and the Bilingual Psychologists that testing is needed.
      • LCS will add student's name to our "On Deck" document, where a bilingual psychologist will be assigned to the student's case.
      • A bilingual psychologist will reach out to the Special Education teacher to share next steps, including when to send home consent to test.
      • General Ed Teachers continue RtI process.
      • School Team communicates with parents/guardians and bilingual psychologists to discuss the data. If all agree, parents sign a "Consent to Test."
      • Bilingual Psychologist will lead the evaluation process, working with the Special Education teacher(s) at the school.
      • The bilingual Psychologist will notify the school team once testing is completed. Testing will continue by the school team.
      • Results are gathered.
      • The school team and bilingual psychologist meet with parents and student to discuss the test results and make a final suggestion.

Re-Evaluations

Re-evaluations do not need to go through LCS IF second language acquisition has already been ruled out during previous testing. For questions about the evaluation process and re-evaluations for MLs, please contact the district's Bilingual Psychologists at bilingual-school-psychs-uc@jordandistrict.org

Bilingual Psychologists:

Considerations for MLs & Special Education