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Correct Answer: observation, investigation of achievement in different subject areas, consultation with family.
when assessing english language learner (ell) students for exceptionalities, educators often face the challenge of not having appropriate diagnostic tests available in the student's first language (l1). this lack of suitable diagnostic tools can hinder the accurate identification of students' specific educational needs and exceptionalities. given this limitation, the best approach involves a combination of observation, investigation of achievement across different subject areas, and consultation with family.
**observation**: observing the student in various settings and during different activities provides valuable insights into their learning behaviors, social interactions, and academic performance. this method allows educators to note any consistent patterns or challenges the student may encounter, which might not be apparent through standardized testing alone.
**investigation of achievement in different subject areas**: engaging with the student's teachers across different subjects to gather comprehensive feedback on their performance is crucial. this step helps identify areas where the student excels or struggles, providing a broader understanding of their academic capabilities and potential learning difficulties. it also helps to distinguish between language proficiency issues and other exceptionalities.
**consultation with family**: families play a critical role in providing background information that can influence or explain a student's school performance. they can offer insights into the student's early development, previous educational experiences, and any historical learning difficulties or advanced abilities in their first language. such information is vital for forming a holistic view of the student's educational needs.
this approach avoids the pitfalls of relying solely on existing diagnostic tests, which may not be valid or reliable for non-native speakers due to cultural and linguistic biases. furthermore, making provisional placements in special education or specific learning programs without a thorough understanding of a student’s needs can lead to inappropriate educational tracks that might hinder the student's academic growth.
therefore, a combination of direct observation, detailed academic assessment across different subjects, and active engagement with the student’s family provides a more accurate and fair assessment of an ell student's educational needs when language-appropriate diagnostic tools are unavailable. this method respects the student's cultural and linguistic background while striving to provide the most effective support to enhance their educational outcomes.
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