Assessment

Description

• The focus of assessment should be on learning, not the mastery of English. This requires lowering the language barriers through careful selection and modification of the assessment instrument to inform the teacher of the ELL’s understanding of math content.
• The focus is on the same key concepts in the content standard for all students at the same level or rigor.
• Formative assessment is the continual monitoring of the effects of the lesson on student achievement and the ensuing adjustment of teaching strategies to reach all learners in the classroom.

(Adapted from Texas Education Agency, 2004.)

Example (Engage, Explore, Explain)

Formative assessment—Provide structured response stems such as, “After solving this equation, I found that x equals. . .” Use white boards on which students quickly write an answer and hold it up for the teacher to see.

 

 

Formative assessment strategies at the Proficiency Levels:

Beginner	Intermediate	Advanced	Advanced High
Point to… Find the… Is this a…? Yes/no & either/or questions Objects	Why? How? Describe… Tell me about… List the steps…	How is this similar to the last? Compare and contrast… Why? How is it different from…? Explain in your own words using key vocabulary.	What would you recommend to solve…? Why did you…?

Summative assessment strategies at the Proficiency Levels:

Beginner	Intermediate	Advanced	Advanced High
Use extra time Use native language with translation Use manipulatives Give one word answers Allow illustrations or hands-on activity to show understanding Allow one word written answers Give extra time	Use extra time Write simple sentences, then explain orally Create glossaries using illustrations Use sentence frames for short answer tests Give extra time	Use extra time Write paragraphs, and clarify them orally with teacher prompts Collaborative Projects Teacher allows language convention errors Glossaries Word walls - interactive	Use extra time Write coherent paragraphs and teacher allows language convention errors Using academic language Glossaries Word, sentences, paragraph, multiple paragraphs Create your own Math problem