Assessing Spanish–English Bilingual Preschoolers

A Guide to Best Approaches and Measures

Authors: Sandra Barrueco, Ph.D., Michael López, Ph.D., Christine Ong, Ph.D., Patricia Lozano

Early Childhood

Get detailed reviews and analyses of 37 developmental assessments for Spanish–English bilingual preschoolers. Readers will compare English and Spanish versions of each tool, evaluate strengths and weaknesses, and get snapshots of key characteristics and technical data.

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As the population of young dual language learners continues to rise, how can early childhood professionals choose culturally and linguistically appropriate assessments for Spanish–English bilingual preschoolers? They'll get expert guidance in this one-of-a-kind resource, a comprehensive roundup and analysis of 37 developmental assessments available in English and Spanish.

The only guide that examines specific early childhood bilingual measures, this book gives professionals detailed reviews culled from the highly respected authors' extensive research and comparative analyses. For each measure, program administrators, curriculum developers, SLPs, and other professionals will

• get an at-a-glance snapshot of key characteristics, including age range, cost, domains measured, and time requirements
• evaluate major strengths and weaknesses
• easily compare the English and Spanish versions across cultural, linguistic, and psychometric properties
• learn the basics of administration and scoring
• investigate technical data, including standardization, norming, validity, and reliability
• see if the tool includes adaptations and accommodations for children with disabilities
• review the results of relevant studies that used the measure

To help professionals conduct the most effective assessments, the book also includes research-based strategies and solid background information. Readers will get a helpful overview of bilingual language development, general guidelines on selecting measures for young dual language learners, and tips on administering assessments with awareness of and respect for cultural and linguistic influences.

An essential resource to support informed decision-making, this invaluable guide will help professionals choose culturally and linguistically appropriate early childhood assessments that accurately capture the abilities of young dual language learners.

Reviews

Carol Hammer, Professor, Communication Sciences and Disorders, Temple University

"A must-have . . . Everything one wants to know about the assessment of dual language learners is pulled together in one invaluable volume."

Alison Bailey, Professor, Department of Education, UCLA

"A compendium of vetted Spanish and English assessments for use with young children that can be utilized to take the guesswork out of assessment choices by early childhood care and education professionals."

Brian Goldstein, Temple University

"Well-researched, well-resourced, and easy to use . . . an indispensable resource for any practitioner who has ever asked, 'what test should I use?"