Characteristics of English Language Learners (ELLs)LanguageSimilarities & differencesCultureChildrearing practices & family valuesParental role in schoolPrevious educational experienceLiteracy in native language
Characteristics of ELLsLanguageOver 200 language backgroundsProximity of native language to EnglishCulturePassive vs. activeFamily valuesChild-rearing practicesPrevious educational experienceUse of native language literacy as a building block
What is Assessment?Gathering information on what a student knows or has learnedFormal or informal
Observation & documentation
No Child Left BehindGood NewsAccountability for ELLs
Bad NewsOne size does not fit allEnglish language standardized tests not always appropriate for ELLsStatewide testing for ELLs an emerging field, not much research
Disaggregation of Test ScoresSeparating out test scores or results for ELL students from all scores
To find out: How are ELLs doing?
Are they meeting state standards?
ValidityAccuracy of inferences
Making appropriate assumptions about test scores
Use language of classroom instruction
Use alternative forms of assessment that reflect classroom instruction
VideoNew Kid in Town
Arlington Intake Center, Arlington VA
Newcomer AssessmentUsed to determineNative language literacy
Prior educational experience
Phonemic awareness in English
Prior knowledge
Inappropriate AssessmentsProblems with current testsHeavy language load
Out of context
Culturally-based
Sample Test ItemGrade 3 Reading
Look at the picture. Which word has the same middle and ending sounds as the name of the picture?F butterG rabbitH kettleJ nibble
Assessing ReadingMust reflect classroom instruction
Use interactive tasks to provide context for learning
Standardized tests do not always provide context or language support
Linking Classroom Assessments to Statewide TestsBase classroom assessments on state standards
Use classroom learning tasks as opportunities for assessment
Benefits of Classroom-Based AssessmentsGuide both teaching & learning
Continuous adjustments by teacher & students
Provide specific, personalized, timely information
Two Types of AssessmentTeacher-Useful AssessmentsObservation & documentationChecklists, rubrics, anecdotal records
Student-Friendly AssessmentsChecklists detailing learning expectations
Assessing ELLs withLearning DisabilitiesWays to promote success:Use manipulatives, pictures, illustrations
Use performance-based assessment
Use instructionally-based materials
Language or Learning Disability?Ways to assess:Educational & medical history
Parental interview
Student interview
Teacher observation and documentation on variety of learning tasks
AssessmentDoes not need to take time away from instruction
Can be simultaneous to instruction
Must be ongoing & continuous
Can provide feedback to guide teaching and improve learningAn integral part of instruction
Teacher AssessmentsInform & Direct InstructionNeeds/DiagnosticAssessmentReadingInstructionRedirectedReadingInstruction
Cycle of Assessment & Instruction
Before and After TeachingFind out what students knowDiagnostic testsOral questioning
Group for differentiated instruction
Relate to prior knowledge & students interests
Compare results before and after tests
State Standardized TestsMeasure annual growth
Not as useful for informing classroom instruction on weekly basis
VideoLetters and Sounds
Mark Hopkins Elementary School, Sacramento CA
Video highlightsStudent engaged to follow specific instruction
Student performs literacy task
Teacher keeps record of strengths and needs
Useful Teaching ApproachesRelate new information to students prior knowledge
Use hands-on tasks, manipulatives, games, kinesthetic activities, visuals
Help learners feel they belong
Assessing and DiagnosingIn a Multi-lingual ClassroomCommon set of teaching standards and objectives
Compare each students accomplishments to standards instead of to each other
When Native Language LiteracyIs Not Available in the ClassroomGather ResourcesParents, community members, networking
Provide Scaffolding in the ClassroomSimplified English languageReinforce oral directions with written onesVisuals, manipulativesCooperative learning, gamesReduce students anxiety & stress
Assessment That Promotes LearningNot just auditing learning
Diagnosing strengths and needs
Providing specific feedback
Descriptive & productive feedback Not just a gradeAdd constructive comments
Sharing Expectations with StudentsIdeas to try:Use wall charts, tables, graphs
Use symbols to reduce language load
Use color coding
Use student-friendly checklists for reading skills
Student/teacher conferences
Essential for self-monitoring
Informing Both Parents & StudentsShare learning goals, objectives, and assessment results
Enable students to hit the learning target
Teacher ObservationsObserve whole class or small groups
Save one-on-one assessment for individuals not making progress
Group & individual tasks
Provide time for individual conferences
Involving ParentsNative language resources
Provide childs history
Need to know learning goals & assessment expectations
Can support literacy in the home
SummaryNeed variety of assessments
Need to involve parents
Need state legislation requiring teacher assessment literacy
L. V. Pierce, George Mason University
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