What are some commonly used tests for Spanish-speaking students who may need special education services?
What is most important in identifying Spanish-speaking students is the ASSESSOR, not the test. This is what makes Diana different from Larry P. Diana occurred because a monolingual psychologist tested Spanish speakers in English and used this data to place students. The tests themselves were found to be discriminatory in Larry P. Any parent or community person who works with Spanish-speaking students should examine carefully the bilingual training, assessment training, and cultural sensitivity of the person doing special education testing. Test translation should be avoided at all cost, as translation invalidates the results. Listed below are general areas of assessment and tests that are commonly used with Spanish speakers. The tests are not valid for every student in all situations. Remember — each assessment plan should be tailored to meet each student’s individual educational assessment needs.
