Big Idea #1: The difference between authentic and
traditional assessment, as well as which is the preferred
method of assessment
Authentic assessment occurs when the teacher asks students to perform
real-world tasks that show that they can apply the knowledge learned.
Traditional assessment can be standardized or teacher-created tests that
ultimately require students to recall facts and answer questions. When
teaching EL students, authentic assessment is the preferred method of
assessment. However, some teachers use a combination of authentic and
traditional assessments.
An example of an authentic assessment that would be beneficial for the
teacher to see how well an EB/EL student is progressing would be a
student journal. By writing in the journal weekly or daily, a teacher
would be able to see the progression of grammar usage, writing, and
understanding of concepts taught.
Big Idea #2: Why should a teacher use authentic assessment?
We, as teachers, want students to be able to apply what they have learned.
Authentic assessments provide opportunities for students to put the
knowledge that they've learned to use in real-life situations. Students may
able to answer questions correctly on a traditional method of assessment,
however teachers would not be able to prove that students can apply the
information. Authentic assessments also allow students to demonstrate the
knowledge that they have learned in different ways.
Applying authentic assessment to EB/EL's: Using authentic assessment is important
to use when working with EB/EL students. Instead of having to focus on the
academic language of a traditional assessment, EB/EL students will be able to show
what they have learned. Authentic assessments also give teachers an ongoing view
of how their ELL student is doing. A type of authentic assessment that a teacher
could use might be student portfolios.
Big Idea: #3: How do teachers create authentic assessments?
In order to create an authentic assessment, teachers have to
follow a set of steps. First, a teacher must identify the
standards that they will be covering. Next, they need to develop
a task for the students. Then, they must identify the criteria
for the task. Finally, they must create a rubric.
Big Idea#4: Why do EL students need to be assessed and how are they assessed?
School districts are legally obligated to assess EL students in order
to make appropriate educational decisions for them, as well as
determine if services are needed. An example of an assessment
given to EL students is language proficiency testing. Families are
also given a home-language survey to complete.
Big idea # 5: How should an ELL's performance be assessed throughout the year?
A key way to assess ELL's throughout the year is through the use
of portfolios. A student portfolio is a collection of student work
that shows their progress and capability throughout a period of
time. A teacher should ensure that an ELL portfolio is
comprehensive, predetermined and systematic, tailored,
informative, and authentic.
Big Idea #6: What accommodations should teachers make for ELLs?
To ensure academic success, teachers should
make different accommodations for their EL
students. These accommodations should be
tailored to meet their educational needs.
Examples of accommodations could be: extra time for
testing, read aloud test instructions, ensure
comprehension of instructions, provide extra breaks
during testing, and provide a testing environment that
eliminates distractions. Also, the teacher should ensure
that the tests are culturally responsive.