Dual Language Assessment (DLA) Service
Philosophy

Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) is committed to providing a free and appropriate public 08/14/2008 -including language minority students--with disabilities from age 2 through 21 and for babies who are deaf or hard of hearing. This philosophy safeguards the rights of all students and supports the specific education needs of language minority students by promoting appropriate use of the home language and sensitivity to culture.  In accordance with federal, state, and county regulations, FCPS has developed procedures for identifying, screening, and evaluating students; determining student eligibility; and providing special education services. The Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Exceptional Students (CLiDES) Handbook and FCPS Regulation 2217.2 provide guidelines for working and evaluating students with limited English proficiency (LEP).  The Dual Language Assessment Service is integral to providing more culturally and linguistically competent assessment to LEP students.

The Dual Language Assessment Service complies with  regulations which  mandate that special education eligibility evaluations for LEP students be administered in their dominant language. The DLA staff is committed to supporting FCPS educators with timely and accurate information that will help the schools distinguish between second language difficulties which may indicate other areas of concern, including possible disabilities.  The DLA staff is also available to schools for staff development and training, eligibility meetings, and other collaborative endeavors.
 

Contact: Rebecca Miskell, Dual Language Assessment Team Leader, Phone: (703) 876-5294

Fax: (703) 208-8019

Email: Rebecca.Miskell@fcps.edu

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