Assessment of English Language Learners

1. Assessment of English Language Learners Susan Brown 2013

2. Purposes of Assessments Assessments serves three important purposes: • Identification and program placement of students in need of special services. • Program evaluation • Documentation of student learning and progress to • (a) inform instructional decisions • (b) communicate progress to parents Can you think of some examples of these types of assessments at your school? TTYP and discuss for 1 minute. Peregoy S., Boyle D. (2005)

3. Sources of Assessment Data • Formal assessments: standardized tests in reading, language arts, mathematics, and science that are administered in a group setting Individual test to identify students with special learning needs are formal assessments as well. • Informal assessments: teacher –made test, checklists, anecdotal observations, and student work samples ESL teachers use all of these types of assessments at different times with students. Peregoy S., Boyle D. (2005)

4. Formal vs. Informal Assessments

5. Performance Assessments • Involves direct observation and measurement of the desired behavior • This can incorporate elements of formal or informal assessments. • Find someone with your birthday month and discuss an example of how a performance assessment can be formal or informal. • Be ready to share an example you may have used. • Peregoy S., Boyle D. (2005)

6. Criterion-referenced vs. Norm-referenced Assessments

7. How Are ELLs Assessed Formally and Informally ? In groups of three, you will discover how ELLs are identified and placed into programs to support their linguistic needs, challenges with assessments for ELLs, classroom-based assessments, and cultural considerations. Each group will be given a section to read and discuss. Then create a poster to share your findings with the group.