Assessing English Language Learners: Bridges From Language Proficiency to Academic Achievement

`With all the offerings that Margo Gottlieb provides in this book, she makes us yearn to not only cross the bridge of assessment, but also to feel confident when we get to the other side.' -From the Foreword by Else Hamayan Illinois Resource Center `This book is long overdue! Appropriate assessment and placement of ELLs is the most basic of all instructional processes. Without this, we cannot be sure we can measure student progress or address individual instructional needs.' -Margarita Calderón, Research Scientist Center for Data-Driven Reform, Johns Hopkins University `Here, finally, we have a text that empowers teachers by giving them practical strategies for harnessing assessments of language and content in ways that benefit their teaching and their students' learning.' -Timothy Boals, WIDA Consortium Director, Wisconsin Dept. of Public Instruction `Assessing English Language Learners includes a multitude of evaluation instruments that readers can use as they assess their students. Margo Gottlieb helps teachers adjust assessment to different language proficiency levels and then evaluate language proficiency and content learning appropriately.' -David E. Freeman, Yvonne S. Freeman, Professors, Curriculum and Instruction, University of Texas, Brownsville Discover how to bridge the gap between equitably assessing linguistic and academic performance! Student assessment is the cornerstone of standards-based education. For the growing population of English Language Learners, however, measuring their acquisition and learning is a multifaceted process. This well-documented text examines the unique needs of English Language Learners and describes strategies for implementing instructional assessment of language and content. With both depth and breadth, this practical resource covers how to equitably and comprehensively assess the language proficiency and academic achievement of English Language Learners. Both practicing and aspiring educators will benefit from Rubrics, charts, checklists, surveys, and other ready-to-use tools Professional development activities An integrated approach to teaching standards, language, and content Guidance on how best to address standardized testing and grading Use this timely text to advance the academic language proficiency of English Language Learners through enhanced teaching and assessment techniques.

Table of Contents:
Foreword by Else Hamayan Preface About the Author 1. Assessment of English Language Learners: The Bridge to Educational Equity 2. Standards and Assessment: The Bridge From Language Proficiency to Academic Achievement 3. Assessing Oral Language and Literacy Development: The Bridge From Social Language Proficiency to Academic Language Proficiency 4. Assessing Academic Language Proficiency and Academic Achievement: The Bridge to Accountability 5. Classroom Assessment: The Bridge to Educational Parity 6. Documenting Performance Assessment: The Bridge From Teachers to Classrooms 7. Supports for Student, Classroom, and Large-Scale Assessment: The Bridge to Student Understanding 8. Standardized Testing and Reporting: The Bridge to Fair and Valid Assessment 9. Grading Systems: The Bridge to the Future Glossary References Index