People's ability to perform well on standardized tests designed to judge their speech and language abilities can be impacted by a multitude of factors. For English language learners (ELL) and culturally linguistically diverse (CLD) populations, these factors may include their ability to recognize and understand what the test is asking them to do. ELL and CLD populations are put at a disadvantage because the tests that they are given are in a language they are unfamiliar with or they are unable to recognize the objects presented to them. In some cases, they aren’t able to even get tested and because of this, are unable to receive the proper therapies and support they need to be successful. This project looks at what tests are available for ELL and CLD populations and what needs to be done to improve them.

Dr. Christina Garcia was extremely helpful and influential in the creation of this project. We met almost weekly to discuss what I was doing at my volunteer placement and how that will impact the project that I created. I am very thankful for the guidance and support that Dr. Garcia provided me with throughout this process.