Advancing Equitable Literacy Assessment for Multilingual Learners in the Dual Language Program in Salem-Keizer Public Schools
Item
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Title
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Advancing Equitable Literacy Assessment for Multilingual Learners in the Dual Language Program in Salem-Keizer Public Schools
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Creator
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Guillermina Romo
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Degree Name
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Master of Science in Education: Interdisciplinary Professional Studies
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Project Type
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Professional Project
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Date
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6/15/2025
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Abstract
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This capstone professional project examines the implementation of equitable literacy assessments for third-grade multilingual learners in Dual Language (DL) programs in Salem-Keizer Public Schools. Guided by the research question—how can bilingual assessments improve literacy evaluation and instruction for Spanish-English bilingual students?—the project involved DL teachers, paraprofessionals, administrators, and families. The intervention replaced the limited easyCBM tool with the Renaissance Star assessments in Spanish and English to better align assessments with students’ instructional languages. Professional development has been delivered to train educators on data interpretation, instructional planning, and family communication. The mixed-methods data analysis, which included Renaissance Record Book results, student growth comparisons, teacher surveys, and family feedback, revealed several key findings. These findings showed improved instructional decision-making and increased family engagement through bilingual Student Assessment Reports (SARs). However, challenges persisted in teacher data literacy and family access to digital tools. The findings suggest that culturally and linguistically responsive assessments can advance instructional equity, paired with targeted professional learning and family engagement strategies. The project concludes that assessment systems must affirm multilingual learners’ full linguistic capabilities to yield accurate, actionable data. Future work includes expanding district-wide assessments, refining SAR tools, creating small-group instructional guides, and improving digital access.
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Keywords
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biliteracy assessments
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dual language
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Committee Member
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Alicia Wenzel
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Steve Nelson
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Curtis Bartley
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Rights
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Western Oregon University Library has determined, as of 06/20/2025, this item is in copyright, which is held by the author. Users may use the item in accordance with copyright limitations and exceptions, including fair use. For other uses, please ask permission from the author.
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https://rightsstatements.org/page/InC/1.0/?language=en
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Language
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eng
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Type
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Text
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Identifier
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GuillerminaRomo_PP_2025
