Assessment of English Language Learners

Susan Brown2013

Purposes of AssessmentsAssessments serves three important purposes:Identification and program placement of

students in need of special services.Program evaluationDocumentation of student learning and

progress to (a) inform instructional decisions(b) communicate progress to parentsCan you think of some examples of these types of

assessments at your school? TTYP and discuss for 1 minute. Peregoy S., Boyle D. (2005)

Sources of Assessment DataFormal assessments: standardized tests in

reading, language arts, mathematics, and science that are administered in a group settingIndividual 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)

Formal vs. Informal AssessmentsFormal Assessments Informal AssessmentsCompare individuals and groups with established norms

Compare individuals with themselves or small groups within a class

Usually short answers or multiple choice items

Can be student work samples and student interactions in a classroom setting

Can be easily scored and may produce anxiety

Occur naturally in the classroom and do not produce anxietyPeregoy S., Boyle D. (2005)

Performance AssessmentsInvolves direct observation and measurement

of the desired behaviorThis 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)

Criterion-referenced vs. Norm-referenced AssessmentsCriterion-referenced Assessments

Norm-Referenced Assessments

Each students’ performance is compared to a pre-defined set of criteria or a standard

Compared with peers and rank based on the scores

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.