Assessment for Linguistically Diverse Students

Course Overview

TELL 420 is the third of seven courses leading to an ESL endorsement. This course emphasizes the fact that assessment is about student learning. The general purpose of this course is to expand each educator's assessment literacy, specifically in relationship to second language learners.

Educators learn about implementing an assessment process and making assessments useful, meaningful, and equitable. They also develop expertise in using an on-going classroom assessment which includes both alternative assessment techniques and traditional testing to positively impact instruction and student learning. Students will also consider issues in high-stakes testing for second language learners.

The course is designed with the following goals and objectives:

  • To build on teachers' knowledge of the sociocultural aspects of teaching and learning
  • To increase teachers' assessment literacy by focusing on the concepts of useful (educative and practical), meaningful (relevant and accurate), and equitable (open and appropriate), as well as on specific ELL assessment strategies
  • To contrast measurement and standards-based paradigms of assessment
  • To present a large number of assessment strategies and accommodations
  • To guide teachers in understanding the relationship between learning and assessment
  • To explore the political nature of knowledge and assessment

 

 

 

 

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Program Materials List

Items marked with an asterisk (*) must be purchased from the publishers.

Assessment for Linguistically Diverse Students—Instructional Guide ($40)
Assessment for Linguistically Diverse Students—Video Segments (obtained via licensing agreement)
Assessment Literacy Case—CD-ROM ($25)
*Authentic Assessment for English Language Learners: Practical Approaches for Teachers by O’Malley and Pierce (Pearson Education 1-800-922-0579) ($30)