Bilingual Assessment
One of our primary goals is to develop language assessment methods that reduce sources of bias for children who speak one or more languages, yielding higher levels of diagnostic accuracy. Bilingual assessment focuses on accurately identifying and understanding the language abilities of children who speak two or more languages. This process involves recognizing the unique linguistic profiles of bilingual individuals and using assessment tools that are culturally and linguistically appropriate. Effective bilingual assessment requires a deep understanding of the child’s language development in both languages, distinguishing between typical bilingual language development and potential language-related disorders. The goal is to provide a comprehensive and fair evaluation that informs appropriate educational and therapeutic interventions.
Technology-Enhanced Service Delivery
We research how technology, such as automatic speech recognition (ASR) and natural language processing (NLP), can be used alongside traditional evaluation methods. ASR can transcribe spoken language into text in real-time, providing a detailed and accurate record of a child’s speech. NLP can analyze this text to identify patterns, assess language complexity, and detect potential language-related disorders. These technologies streamline the assessment process, making it more efficient and precise. They also offer the flexibility of remote assessments, increasing accessibility for children in diverse settings. By leveraging ASR and NLP, we can provide a more comprehensive and objective evaluation of bilingual children’s language abilities, leading to better-informed interventions and support strategies.
Equity in Education
Equity in education, particularly in the context of bilingual children, involves addressing the disproportionality in special education eligibility. Disproportionality occurs when certain groups of students, such as bilingual children, are over- or under-represented in special education. This can result from biases in assessment tools, lack of culturally and linguistically appropriate evaluations, and systemic inequalities within the education system. To address these issues, it is crucial to develop and implement assessment practices that accurately reflect the diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds of bilingual children. By promoting fair and unbiased evaluation methods, we aim to ensure that all children receive the appropriate support and services they need to succeed. Our goal is to contribute to an inclusive educational environment where every child, regardless of their background, has equal opportunities to thrive.