Best Practices in State Assessment Policies for Accommodating English

Language Learners: A Delphi Study

Barbara D. Acosta, Charlene Rivera and Lynn Willner (2008)

Presented by: Martha Crowell and Kerri Donahue

ESL 501

Reasons for Study Response to accountability requirements ELLs test scores not accurately reflected without

adequate accommodations Previously, accommodations based on students

with disabilities Need to distinguish between ELLs and students

with disabilities

ELL Accommodations should address

Construct-irrelevant varianceo Error due to extraneous information unrelated to

construct being assessed Linguistic challenges

o Such as ELL English language processing skills and rate of encoding and decoding text

Meet validity and reliability standardso Cannot alter the construct being assessed or provide

undue assistance

Two types of Accommodations:

Direct linguistic support- adjustment to language of test

Indirect linguistic support- adjustment to conditions under which test is taken

Variances in ELLs that must be considered

Level of English language proficiency (ELP)o Beginningo Intermediateo Advanced

Level of literacy in English and native language Age of students Years of formal schooling Language(s) of instruction Type(s) of language support program

ELL Responsive Accommodations

Defined as likely to reduce construct-irrelevant variance due to language

Nearly 2/3 of accommodations previously offered do not meet this criteria for ELLs

Examples of accommodations not considered ELL Responsive:

• Test in familiar room with minimal distractions• Test in small group• Allow student to point to answers• Allow student to mark answers in test booklet• Allow student to read test aloud• Familiar person administers test• Inform student of remaining time

ELL Responsive Accommodations

Direct Linguistic Support (language)

Indirect Linguistic Support (conditions)

Provide plain English test Extended time

Written translation

Reference materials (English and dual language)

Written response in native language

Scripted oral English

Scripted oral translation

Clarification in English

Sight translation

Oral Response - English or native language

Recommendations1. Screen accommodations allowed by state to

determine ELL Responsiveness2. Specify accommodations to be used for each area

of content being tested3. Standardize and clearly describe accommodations4. Distinguish between test administration practices

and accommodations5. Offer accommodations at each English language

proficiency level6. Offer accommodations for ELLs with different

levels of literacy in English and native language

References

Acosta, B., Rivera, C., & Willner, L. (2008). Best Practices in State Assessment Policies for Accommodating English Language Learners: A Delphi Study. Arlington: George Washington University.

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