ASHA Learning Pass

This course aims to equip school-based SLPs with knowledge and skills to conduct equitable, culturally responsive assessments for multilingual students. The speaker critically evaluates traditional assessment practices, describes a revised diagnostic framework, and shares strategies to differentiate between language difference and disorder. The course includes short presentations, demonstrations, and opportunities for practice, so you can examine your current assessment procedures, identify areas for improvement, and implement changes that result in linguistically affirming assessment.

Learning Outcomes
You will be able to:

• Identify at least three limitations in your current practices for assessing multilingual students
• Apply a revised diagnostic framework that incorporates equitable assessment strategies (including dynamic assessment), culturally responsive considerations, and synthesis of multiple data sources for decision-making
• Implement effective rapport-building techniques with students and families
• Utilize dynamic and comprehensive assessment methods to differentiate between language difference and disorder in multilingual students
• Identify and address systemic barriers that impact multilingual students

DEI Professional Development Requirement

This course counts toward the ASHA certification maintenance professional development requirement for DEI (which encompasses cultural competency; cultural humility; culturally responsive practice; and diversity, equity, and inclusion). See more courses that count toward this requirement or read more about professional development requirements for certification maintenance.

Presenter Information

Dionna Latimer-Hearn, PhD, CCC-SLP (she/her/hers) received her BS in communication sciences and disorders with a minor in French studies from Northwestern University. After completing her degree, she worked for the French Embassy as an English instructor in Montargis, France. She completed her MA in speech-language pathology at George Washington University. She completed her PhD with distinction in educational leadership at Notre Dame of Maryland University. Dr. Latimer-Hearn has served as a multilingual speech-language pathologist and educational consultant since 2002, holding positions in France, Illinois, Japan, Maryland, and Texas. She currently works as a public scholar and supports educational organizations and corporations globally. She is the founder and director of REACT Initiative, Inc., a nonprofit organization advocating for equity in education. She is the host of The Culture We Speak, a podcast centering cultural-linguistic diversity and education. Dr. Latimer-Hearn is also the founder and administrator of the Respect the Dialect online community, a platform established to raise awareness about African American English. Her research and advocacy work have earned her prestigious accolades from several organizations, including the World Education Research Association, the American Educational Research Association, and the National Black Association for Speech-Language and Hearing. She maintains a website at www.dlhearn.net.

Disclosures:

• Team member of REACT Initiative, Inc.
• Financial compensation from ASHA for this presentation
• American Education Research Association (AERA) Minority Dissertation Fellowship Award recipient
• Founder and administrator of Respect the Dialect online community
• Founder and host of The Culture We Speak podcast 

Assessment Type

Self-assessment—Think about what you learned and report on the Completion Form how you will use your new knowledge.

To earn continuing education credit, you must complete and submit the learning assessment by no later than the end date below.

Program History and CE Information

Content origination date: March 20, 2025
End date: May 5, 2030

This course is offered for 0.2 ASHA CEUs (Intermediate level, Professional area).