LEARNING-DISABILITIES OCCURRING CONCOMITANTLY WITH LINGUISTIC DIFFERENCES

This article discusses characteristics of educational environments tha t facilitate success for culturally and linguistically diverse (CLD) l earners, thereby reducing inappropriate referrals to special education , and offers recommendations for adapting referral and assessment proc esses to better serve CLD students suspected of having learning disabi lities. Effective instructional practices are considered, and competen cies needed by teachers who serve CLD students with learning disabilit ies are suggested. Specific attention is given to identifying and serv ing students with learning disabilities who are also limited English p roficient.