Developing a Comprehensive Language Profle to Support Learning: Te Assessment of d/Deaf and Hard of Hearing Multilingual Learners

This chapter presents information regarding the assessment of d/Deaf and hard-of-hearing Multilingual Learners (DMLs). The process of creating a comprehensive language profile is addressed including the languages to be included, the selection of assessment techniques, and considerations for varied languages that may be included in the profile. Issues of assessing language proficiency, translation of test materials, and gathering high-quality data are discussed. The need for high-quality language proficiency assessments that are able to guide educational services is highlighted. In addition, considerations for making meaningful decisions based on the learner’s language profile are addressed. Finally, recommendations are made for engaging in family-centered assessment practices that value the family contribution for both administering assessments and interpreting scores.