Home Language Survey Practices in the Initial Identification of English Learners by U.S. States

• In Event: Poster Session 20
  In Poster Session: Research on Accountability Issues

Abstract

The majority of U.S. states mandate some form of Home Language Survey (HLS) as a means of initially identifying K-12 students who may prove eligible for English language support services. To date, there is a dearth of evidence for the validity of the HLS as an identifying instrument but its fundamental role in state English language proficiency assessment systems necessitates its further scrutiny as part of the assessment validation process. We identified and described current state practices and evaluated evidentiary bases for HLS design. We found great variation in implementation and phrasing of survey items across states raising issues of equity. Review of studies using HLS as research instruments suggests how they might inform continued HLS use and design.

Authors

• Alison L. Bailey, University of California - Los Angeles

• Kimberly Reynolds Kelly, University of California - Los Angeles