Texas Even Start Administrative Manual
June 2004, (Revised January 2008)
Instructional Services
Language of Instruction for Even Start
Guidance
The recent clarification of language of instruction for federally funded
adult education programs has opened discussion on language of instruction
for Even Start. Texas LEARNS requested direction on this matter from
Patricia McKee of the U.S. Department of Education. This was her response.
“The goal of Even Start is English language literacy.
This goal should be accomplished by using instructional approaches
based on scientific research. To accomplish English language literacy,
some instruction could be provided in Spanish and the children gradually
transitioned to English. At a very minimum, there should be ample
language accommodations for Spanish speaking children. We need to
be clear, however, that Even Start does not have a Spanish literacy
goal nor does it have a bilingual goal (literacy competency in two
languages).”
Patricia McKee
Even Start
U.S. Department of Education
400 Maryland Avenue, SW, Room 3C142
Washington, DC 20202
Implications for Practice
- This could also represent a change in the language of early childhood assessment for some programs.
- Staff development may be needed for early childhood staff in the delivery of English literacy instruction.
- Teachers may need staff development on strategies and activities that help foster a natural transition from first to second language learning.
- Program design or collaboration arrangements for provision of early childhood instruction may require revisions for some programs.
- Second language learning requires an environment that is respectful of families and native languages, keeping in mind that the goal of Even Start is English language literacy.
Advice from CIRCLE Regarding Assessment
- Test in the language of instruction
- Early childhood assessment in Even Start is for program evaluation
purposes. This is inherently different from assessment for referral
purposes.
- Even Start will measure English language acquisition over the course
of the year. Some children will begin with no measurable English language
skill.
- If, based on classroom observation, Even Start staff suspects there
is a need to refer a student for general language development concerns,
it would be appropriate to assess in the native language for verification.
Referrals would be made based on the assessment in the native language.
Observations from the State Coordinator
- Program evaluation is crucial to the continuance of Even Start.
- There are a variety of philosophies and methodologies surrounding
second language acquisition. Regardless of individual perspectives,
Texas LEARNS is accountable for following the instruction of our funder,
the USDOE.
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