- Review your classmates’ posts and respond. Compare the answers of your classmates to yours. Notice any complications of assessment based on the age of the learners. For distinguished peer responses, respond with a minimum of five sentences that add to the conversation, and refrain from evaluative posts (i.e., You did a good job.).
PEERS POST:
- Explain the purposes of assessment for ELLs.
If an educator suspects that an ELL has a learning disability, they will then have the student(s) tested. However, ELL professionals must remember to refer students to special education when there are questions about academic performance. When there is not reliably indication of learning disabilities some behaviors serve as a behavioral and problem issues. Although behavior can be a factor there is no evidence proven of a learning disability (Piper, T. (2015).
- Summarize some of the challenges with assessing ELLs.
Biased teachers can play a significant role in assessing, but we must remain professional when grading. The type of test and how the scores impact students’ performance leveling, needed support.
- Clarify what information is new to you and how your thinking might have changed based on this information.
The latest information I have learned is that teachers will refer ELL to special education believing there is no other option (Ralabate, 2007). Teachers believe special educators will provide the students with the tools needed.
- Generate one or two questions you still have about assessing ELLs.
Is ELL assessed on their current grade level?
If an ELL is going through culture shock what is done to make them feel apart and perform in class?
-Michelle Trice
Reference
Piper, T. (2015). Language, learning, and culture: English language learning in today’s schools. Bridgepoint Education.
MY POST:
Assessment Purposes
Assessment is an essential tool for English Language Learners. The critical purposes of assessment for English Language Learners are monitoring progress and placement. Determining the academic and language needs of ELLs is crucial since it is the foundation for developing a suitable instruction program. When the learner’s needs are not determined, the program may have a shortage of the instructional components needed for their success in academic achievement and language proficiency (Colorin Colorado. 2015). Also, careful and successful monitoring allows educators to adjust the instructional plan based on the learners’ needs. Furthermore, the monitoring reports are essential to states, districts, federal programs, and parents.
Challenges
There are also some challenges with assessing ELLs. The linguistic background is an issue since, although most ELLs in the U.S. are Spanish speaking, there are still various native languages spoken by ELLs. Another challenge is distinct proficiency levels in English due to the difficulty in correctly identifying different stages (Lecture Notes. 2022). Another is validity and reliability since inappropriate and inadequate assessment could result in unwarranted decisions. Also, the materials available should reflect the learner’s learning and teaching methods. Others include teacher bias that influences assessment fairness, time preparations, and the choice of program for ELLs influenced by various factors.
New Information and Generated Questions
The new information is that “ELLs are over-identified as having learning disorders and at the same time under-identified as being gifted.” Most sources identify ELLs as having reading and language Impairments, while others identify ELLs as native English-speaking populations. However, the fact that ELLs can be gifted is insightful information. A reason for under-identification is the difficulty in assessing ELLs as gifted (Lecture Notes. 2022). Another reason is that the formal assessment process itself can limit ELLs. Hence, based on the above information, ELLs can be gifted. The questions include what real-life examples could show the effectiveness of monitoring reports in state applications? How do wrongly diagnosing ELLs impact academic achievement and lead to negative social consequences?
References
Colorin Colorado. (2015, June 5). Assessment for ELLs [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q6fG4FmibEQ (Links to an external site.)
Minimize Video
Lecture Notes. (2022). Chapter 4: Assessment and Program Options [pdf]. 04CH_Piper_Language.pdf (Links to an external site.)
Lecture Notes. (2022). Chapter 9: Learners with Special Needs [pdf]. 09CH_Piper_Language.pdf
