Unbiased Speech Language Assessment of Bilingual Students
July 1-31, 2025
Members: $10
Non-Members: $60
Program materials will be distributed via email July 1, 2025
Description
This presentation will give you an overview of who the bilingual student who is learning English in Boston Public Schools (or any other urban district) is; stages of second language acquisition; useful information to help you determine if the student presents with a language disorder or a language difference; and basic considerations when assessing a bilingual student who is learning English.
Learner Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to:
- Describe the typical bilingual student
- List the stages of second language acquisition
- Develop a process for determining who should NOT be referred for a speech-language evaluation
- Name important considerations when assessing a bilingual student
Agenda
10 minutes: Introduction and Video Reflection
10 minutes: Cultural Competence/Bilingualism
20 minutes: Stages of Second Language Acquisition
20 minutes: Important Considerations When Assessing a Bilingual Student
40 minutes: Case Studies
15 minutes: Quick Recommendations for Bilingual Evaluations
5 minutes: Questions/Evaluations
About the Presenter
Rebeca Rivera Rivera is a Bilingual (Spanish-English) Speech-Language Pathologist working for the Boston Public Schools since 1990. She also worked for 4 years as an Evaluation Team Facilitator for the District coordinating and leading the eligibility meetings for special education. Currently in addition to working with students, she is also the Bilingual Liaison for the Related Services Department. As a dual-language learner herself, Ms. Rivera Rivera is passionate about improving the related services for this population, particularly in the area of fair and valid evaluations. To this aim she has created Professional Development for Related Service Providers, Teachers and Interpreters, and procedures on when and how to request interpreters for an evaluation within the Related Services Department. Ms. Rivera Rivera is also a lecturer for Boston University and Emerson College, presenting seminars on Best Practices for Working with Bilingual Students.
A native from Puerto Rico she acquired her Master of Science in Speech Language Pathology from the University of Puerto Rico, Medical Science Campus and a Bachelor's Degree in Special Education from the same University, Rio Piedras Campus.
Disclosure Statements
Financial disclosure: Rebecca Rivera Rivera receives a salary from the Boston Public schools. She receives speaking fees for lecturing at Boston University and Emerson College. She is receiving an honorarium for this presentation.
Non-financial disclosure: Rebecca is a member of MSHA and a member of ASHA.
Discrimination Policy:
MSHA does not discriminate against students, parents, employees or the general public on the basis of race, color, sex, homeless status, gender identity, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, or age. MSHA is also committed to maintaining an educational environment free of harassment. Harassment based on race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, homeless status, age or disability is prohibited. In addition to the protected classes identified above, as to employment practices, MSHA also does not discriminate based on genetic information, ancestry or status as a veteran.
Accommodations for Persons with Disabilities:
We want to provide the best learning experience for everyone. In compliance of the ADA, should you require any accommodation to fully participate in this training, please contact theoffice@mshahearsay.org or call 781-314-9517.
Continuing Education Credits:
Satisfactory Completion Requirements for ASHA CEU’s
ASHA CEU’s will be awarded after active attendance at the entire presentation documented by log in log out times, submission of a completed evaluation and submission of a completed assessment of learning. There is no partial credit. A link to the Assessment and Evaluation will be sent out following the program.
ASHA requires participation in the CEU Registry to receive CEUs. If you are not part of ASHA’s CEU Registry, the Certificate of Completion will serve as documentation for ASHA CMHs.
ASHA CE Provider approval and use of the Brand Block does not imply endorsement of course content, specific products, or clinical procedures.
