PreK Assessment for Dual-Language Learners: Measure True Learning, Not Just English

Presented by Dr. Sandra Barrueco, Professor of Psychology and Wylma and James Curtin Endowed Chair, The Catholic University of America; and Isabel Andrade, Former Educator, Current Principal Product Manager, Khan Academy Kids

Sponsored by Khan Academy Kids

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When we assess young children in a language they don’t yet know well, we risk measuring English exposure instead of what they actually understand. For dual language learners, this gap shows up as underestimated ability, misdirected interventions, and readiness data that doesn’t reflect reality.

Join this edWebinar with Isabel Andrade (Khan Academy Kids) and Dr. Sandra Barrueco (The Catholic University of America) for a research-grounded, administrator-focused look at what the evidence says about bilingual PreK assessment—and practical ways schools can implement home-language assessment, even when teachers don’t share every child’s language. We’ll share what’s working, what the barriers are for administrators, teachers, and students, and how one approach—Khan Academy Kids’ bilingual PreK assessments—is being piloted in classrooms across five states.

This edWebinar will be of interest to PreK-K teachers, school leaders, district leaders, and education technology leaders.

About the Presenters

Dr. Sandra Barrueco is a Professor of Psychology at The Catholic University of America and one of the nation’s foremost experts on the assessment of young dual language learners. She is the lead author of Assessing Spanish–English Bilingual Preschoolers: A Guide to Best Approaches and Measures, an essential resource for researchers, practitioners, and policymakers working with Spanish-English bilingual children. Dr. Barrueco’s research sits at the intersection of developmental psychology, bilingual education, and early childhood policy. Her work has directly informed national policy and practice, with particular influence on Head Start and Early Head Start programs.

Isabel Andrade is a Principal Product Manager on the Khan Academy Kids team. She started her career as an elementary school teacher at a public school in her hometown of Quito, Ecuador. A 2025 Forbes “30 Under 30 in Education” honoree, Isa leads the development of a playful and nimble Pre-K assessment platform that provides families and educators with information on students’ progress. This product is funded by the Gates Foundation with support from MDRC. She holds a master’s in education and an MBA from Stanford University.

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Khan Academy Kids is a free early learning program that empowers teachers and families to nurture confident, curious learners. Developed by Khan Academy in partnership with early childhood learning experts from Stanford University, the app helps children ages 2–8 build foundational literacy, math, and executive functioning skills through play-based learning. Interactive lessons, books, and activities adapt to each child’s level, while teachers can track progress and assign standards-aligned lessons in the classroom. Used by schools and districts nationwide, Khan Academy Kids supports equitable access to research-backed early education—no subscriptions, ads, or barriers. Available on mobile, tablet, and Chromebook devices, the app brings joyful, effective learning to every child, everywhere.