Application: Whenever possible, it is good for teachers to assess a new
ELL student's academic performance using their native language, in
addition to English. Their understanding and knowledge from their native
language has the potential to transfer to an understanding in English.
2. WHY do I need to be concerned about
Authentic Assessments for my ELLs?
U.S. laws require that ELLs receive
services that promote acquisition of
English and academic performance
Development of an
individualized plan for each ELL
Application: Services for ELLs should be
equitable, not just equal
Standards
TESOL
WIDA
Common Core
3. WHERE do my students
come from, and how does
that affect them?
Socio-cultural Factors
Schools in their
native country
Number of years in
school and level of
performance
Structure of the school
Cultural
expectations of
teacher-student
relationship
Educational background
of family members
Application: Cultural bias is present on tests, especially on
ones that are standardized. This may be a deterrent to an
ELL's success. Look for wording that may be inaccessible for
ELLs and adjust assessments as needed and when possible.
4. WHAT are Authentic Assessments?
Project Based Learning
Performance Based Assessments
Portfolios
Constructed Response
Items and Projects
Differentiated
Instruction
Application: Traditional assessments allow students to choose
from a list of possible answers, which means that students can
get by with a fragile understanding of a topic. Authentic
Assessments, however, compel students to apply the knowledge
they have acquired by constructing a response or project.
5. HOW can I assess students on Authentic
Assessments when they lack skills in English?
It should assess the four language domains:
speaking, writing, reading, & listening
Application: Teachers should conduct ongoing
assessments, both formal and informal
Steps:
1. Base it on Standards
2. Assign Authentic Tasks
3. Set a clear Criteria
4. Use a Rubric
6. WHEN, if ever, can I give
traditional assessments?
Traditional Assessments
Multiple-choice
Fill-in-the-Blanks
True & False
Matching
Contrived situations
Transmits a
body of
knowledge
Applicatoin: Authentic Assessments are not meant to
completely replace traditional assessments. There can
be a mix. ELLs should be learning problem-solving
skills as well as content knowledge.
Traditional Assessments
provide indirect evidence
of learning, while
Authentic Assessments
provide direct evidence of
comprehension and
understanding.