Module 4 - Session 5
EQUITABLE ASSESSMENT PRACTICES FOR ELLs
Meeting the Needs of English Language Learners Across Learning Environments
GETTING STARTED
OVERVIEW
Welcome to TALE Academy Module 4: Meeting the Needs of English Language Learners Across Learning Environments!
Goal – The goal of this module is to help teachers expand their capacity for effectively teaching English language learners (ELLs) across learning environments.
Module Content – This module consists of 8 sessions on meeting the needs of English language learners across learning environments. Each session contains a variety of content and learning activities.
Session Content – You are beginning Module 4 – Session 5: Equitable Assessment Practices for ELLs.
MODULE WORKBOOK
If you have not yet downloaded your personal copy of the TALE Academy Workbook for this module, do so now. See directions below. There is only one workbook for each module which contains activities for all sessions within that module.
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Step 1: Create your personal copy of the Module 4 TALE Academy Workbook.
Throughout this session, you will complete the session activities and take notes in the Module 4 TALE Academy Workbook. You will have many opportunities to apply the knowledge and skills you learn using your digital workbook. When you click on the Module 4 TALE Academy Workbook link, you will be prompted to make a copy of the workbook. Once you do so, your notes and your work within your workbook will be visible only to you. Please note that the workbook is fillable using Google Slides. We do not recommend printing a copy due to the length of the workbook.
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Step 2: Get familiar with the Module 4 TALE Academy Workbook.
Now that you have your personal copy of the workbook, review pages 1-7 to learn about the workbook’s contents and tips for using the workbook. Don’t forget to add your name to page 1 to personalize your workbook!
Step 3: Review “Key Terms” for Session 5 in the Module 4 TALE Academy Workbook.
Your last step is to review the key terms for Session 5. For every TALE Academy session, the key terms are listed at the start of each new session in the workbook. You can return to the key terms page(s) of your workbook throughout this session to add your notes.
GUIDING QUESTIONS & LEARNING OBJECTIVES
GUIDING QUESTIONS
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How can I create equitable assessment practices for ELLs?
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
By the end of this session, you will be able to do the following:
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Understand the challenges surrounding equitable and meaningful assessment of ELLs.
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Explore how equitable assessments help us better understand ELLs’ academic needs.
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Design an assessment that incorporates home languages to assess the content understanding of ELLs.
ENGAGE: ACTIVATE PRIOR KNOWLEDGE
LEARN FROM OTHERS:
VOICES FROM THE FIELD
The following video highlights the reflections of New York State educators on equitable assessment for ELLs.
WORKBOOK
ACTIVITY
To activate your prior knowledge on the topic, please complete the following steps:
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In your copy of the Module 4 TALE Academy Workbook, complete Activity 4.5.1 – Reflect on Current Assessment Practices.
If you have not already created your personal copy of the Module 4 TALE Academy Workbook, you can make a copy by clicking here.
EXPLORE: TOPIC OVERVIEW
READ, WATCH, LISTEN
Select from the learning modalities below to explore an overview of the topic for this session. You may read a magazine-style article, watch a video, or listen to a conversational podcast.
You need to select only one option: read, watch, or listen.
As you read, watch, or listen, consider pausing and reviewing the key terms for this session in your workbook. You can add your own notes, ideas for application, or definitions of the terms in your own words.
READ
Dive into our Module 4 – Session 5 READ, a magazine-style overview of the session topic with infographics and links to resources.
WATCH
Tune into our Module 4 – Session 5 WATCH, a narrated, animated video that provides an overview of the session topic.
LISTEN
Settle in for our Module 4 – Session 5 LISTEN, a conversational, podcast-style discussion among educators about the session topic.
EXPLORE: CHOICE BOARD
Select one option from the choices offered below to learn more.
You need to select only one of the choices, but you are welcome to explore all the resources!
Synopsis: This article provides insight into equitable assessment practices with reading assessments by using translanguaging practices.
Format: Article
Time: 20 minutes
Synopsis: This video takes viewers through an assessment loop that can help support ELLs in language acquisition and reading comprehension, highlighting the collaboration between the teacher, reading specialist, and an ESOL teacher.
Format: Video
Time: 6 minutes
Student Self-Assessment (with Sara Cotterall)
Synopsis: The podcast guest speaks to the importance of having students measure their own learning. This podcast is geared towards middle and high school teachers/students, but the strategies could be adapted for students in lower grades.
Format: Podcast
Time: 15 minutes (start at 0:50)
12 Ways to Support English Learners in the Mainstream Classroom
Synopsis: This resource comprises 12 strategies or instructional considerations when teaching ELLs. Many of the suggestions relate to supporting the assessment of ELLs.
Format: Podcast
Time: 20 minutes
ESTABLISH: REFLECTION FOR ACTION
WORKBOOK ACTIVITY
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Return to your copy of the Module 4 TALE Academy Workbook and complete Activity 4.5.2 – Checking for Understanding Across Learning Environments.
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If you have not already made your personal copy of the Module 4 TALE Academy Workbook, you can make a copy by clicking here.
EXTEND: DEEPER LEARNING
Extend your learning by engaging in a longer workbook activity and/or accessing additional resources.
This section is designed to help you begin a journey into deeper learning on the topic area.
WORKBOOK ACTIVITY
Return to your copy of the Module 4 TALE Academy Workbook and complete Activity 4.5.3 – Planning for Home Language Assessments. If you have not already made your personal copy of the Module 4 TALE Academy Workbook, you can do so by clicking here.
Time: 20 minutes
ADDITIONAL
RESOURCES
Scaffolding and Formative Assessment
Topic: Formative assessment theory and practical ideas, scaffolding strategies, suggestions for formative assessment in virtual settings, and keys for remote learning
Format: Online Resource
Time: 15 minutes
Identifying and Supporting Gifted ELLs
Topic: An inclusive framework for finding gifted and talented ELL students
Format: Article
Time: 7 minutes
Assessment for English Language Learners
Topic: Addresses questions of how to properly assess and place ELLs at the schoolwide and classroom level
Format: Blog Posts, Article, and Video
Time: Varies based on user interaction
Assessment of English Language Learners
Topic: An in-depth introduction to assessment for teachers of ELLs, including performance-based assessments, student self-assessment, and more
Format: Webcast
Time: 44 minutes