Dr. Pedro Olvera, LEP #2975, serves as the Program Director for the School Psychology Program at California Baptist University, located in Riverside, CA. His professional focus encompasses the assessment of English Language Learners (ELLs), cognitive assessment, and fostering collaboration with culturally and linguistically diverse (CLD) families. With over 21 years of experience, Dr. Olvera has served as a bilingual school psychologist in various public and private settings.

FINANCIAL: Dr. Pedro Olvera is affiliated with Cal Baptist University (CBU) and does not receive any royalties or salary from the products being endorsed. In the role of a paid consultant, Dr. Olvera offers continuous training for Riverside Insights, the publisher of the Woodcock Muñoz Language Survey, 3rd Edition (WMLS III) and the Woodcock-Johnson IV Tests of Oral Language (WJ IV OL).

This comprehensive webinar is designed for participants seeking a deeper understanding of language proficiency assessment in bilingual learners. Navigating the complexities of language assessment requires a multi-faceted approach, and this webinar will equip participants with the knowledge and tools to make informed decisions regarding bilingual students. Key Topics to be Explored: Pathway to Assessment: The presenter will delineate a systematic approach to language proficiency assessment, guiding participants through evidence-based practices and best practices for evaluating bilingual students’ language skills.

Determining Dominance: Understanding the language proficiency levels of bilingual students is foundational to effective assessment and intervention. The presenter will discuss various methods and tools, including the Woodcock Muñoz Language Survey, 3rd Edition (WMLS III) and the Woodcock-Johnson IV Tests of Oral Language (WJ IV OL), to accurately determine language dominance. Consideration of Contextual Factors: Recognizing the influence of contextual factors is paramount in interpreting assessment results. The participants will explore how language of instruction, home language, acculturation level, and English language supports can impact a bilingual student’s performance, underscoring the importance of a holistic assessment approach.

Interpreting Standardized Scores: While standardized scores offer valuable insights, they represent only one facet of a bilingual student’s language proficiency. The participants will explore interpreting scores within the broader context of each student’s individual background and experiences, emphasizing the need to consider multiple data points when making educational decisions. Assessment Strategies: Understanding a bilingual student’s conceptual grasp of academic content is crucial beyond standardized measures. The presenter will review strategies for assessing conceptual understanding.

Bilingual vs. Monolingual Assessment: Bilingual and monolingual learners present distinct language profiles and require tailored assessment approaches. This webinar will review specific considerations and strategies for each group, ensuring that assessments are culturally and linguistically responsive. By attending this webinar, speech-language pathologists and school psychologists will gain a comprehensive understanding of language proficiency assessment for bilingual students, enabling them to make data-driven decisions that support the academic and linguistic success of their students.

Participants will be able to:
• Define language dominance and articulate its significance in the assessment and intervention process for bilingual students.
• List at least three contextual factors (e.g., language of instruction, home language, acculturation level) that can influence a bilingual student’s performance on language proficiency assessments.
• Participants will list 2 different language proficiency tools, including their strengths and limitations for assessing bilingual students.
• Apply strategies for interpreting standardized scores in the context of a bilingual student’s individual background and experiences, recognizing the importance of a holistic approach that considers multiple data points.

Time-Ordered Agenda
5 minutes–Introductions and disclosures
5 minutes–Introduction to the Topic
15 minutes–Language Proficiency and Dominance: Implications for Learning
15 minutes– Contextual Factors Influencing Growth and Development of Language Proficiency
15 minutes– Discussion of Standardized Language Proficiency Tools: Strengths and Limitations
15 minutes–Strategies for Assessing Emerging Bilinguals and Bilingual Students
5 minutes- Closing
15 minutes- Moderated question and answer session