I am currently in the credential program at Cal State Fullerton. As educators, schools, and parents have become more aware of reading disabilities the number of identified students has increased. Many schools routinely test for reading disabilities. I would like pose questions to experienced educators or special education specialists, about second language learners and reading disabilities in general and dyslexia specifically. The learning of a second language is difficult enough for students.
* When students are tested for reading disabilities are the tests designed to discover a specific area of problems? Alternatively, are the tests more a blanket testing procedure that discovers only that there is a problem?
* Is it possible to get an accurate test for reading disabilities with a second language learner?
* Do reading disability tests separate dyslexia into a separate category for exploration?
I would love to hear your opinions, and inside information that can only come from experience. Thank you for helping a teacher to be, to clear up an area of confusion and questions.