Developing the BIO Questionnaire: A Bilingual Parent Report Tool for Prekindergarten English Learners of Latino Heritage

UNCG Author/Contributor (non-UNCG co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)
Belinda J Hardin, Associate Professor (Creator)
Catherine Scott-Little, Professor (Creator)
Institution
The University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG )
Web Site: http://library.uncg.edu/

Abstract: With the increasing number of preschool-age children of Latino heritage entering U.S. schools comes a growing need to accurately determine children's individual needs and identify potential disabilities, beginning with the screening process. Unfortunately, teachers face many challenges when screening English language learners. Often, parents have important information that can contribute to teachers’ understanding of children's development, but there are limited tools available to collect information from parents. The Formulario Familiar Bilingue de Información Formulario y Observación/Family Bilingual Information & Observation (BIO) Questionnaire is a new parent report tool that can be used to collect information from parents of Latino heritage concerning their child's language development history, current language usage, and exposure to Spanish and English. A multiphase research study was conducted to collect formative data and to establish construct validity for the questionnaire. Results from a focus group, pilot study, and face validity review provided numerous suggestions to improve the tool, and established that the BIO is a viable means to collect parent perspectives on their own children's language development.

Additional Information

Publication
Journal of Research in Childhood Education, 27(4), 485-509
Language: English
Date: 2013
Keywords
early care and education, English language learners, culturally diverse students, parent participation

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