3. Assessment Tools and Best Practices Flashcards
(34 cards)
What is a Criterion-Referenced Test?
Assesses students based on individual performance against set standards, not peers.
This type of test focuses on whether each student meets predefined learning objectives.
What is a Norm-Referenced Test?
Compares students’ performance to a peer group, often using a bell curve.
This method helps to rank students relative to one another rather than against a fixed standard.
What does ELPA stand for?
English Language Proficiency Assessment.
It measures ELs’ proficiency in listening, speaking, reading, and writing.
What is the purpose of the SOLOM?
A rating scale to assess students’ oral language proficiency through structured tasks.
(Student Oral Language Observation Matrix)
What are Performance-Based Assessments?
Evaluate language and academic skills through tasks like oral reports, portfolios, or presentations.
These assessments focus on students’ ability to apply their knowledge in practical situations.
What does the SIOP strategy incorporate?
Regular reviews, assessments, and feedback into lessons.
Sheltered Instruction Observation Protocol
This approach enhances student understanding and retention through continuous evaluation.
What is Dictation?
An assessment where students write down spoken words, testing listening and writing skills.
Dictation helps to measure students’ ability to accurately transcribe spoken language.
What is a CLOZE Test?
An assessment where students fill in missing words in a passage, testing reading comprehension and vocabulary.
CLOZE Tests are commonly used to assess language skills.
Define Portfolio Assessment.
A collection of student work over time to evaluate progress and skills holistically.
This method allows for a comprehensive view of a student’s abilities.
What is a Rubric?
A scoring guide used to assess performance-based tasks, ensuring consistent evaluation.
Rubrics help clarify expectations for students and evaluators.
What does Formative Assessment refer to?
Ongoing assessments (e.g., quizzes, observations) to monitor EL progress and adjust instruction.
Formative assessments help teachers identify areas needing improvement.
What is Summative Assessment?
End-of-unit or course assessments to evaluate overall language proficiency or content mastery.
Summative assessments typically occur at the end of a learning period.
Define Diagnostic Assessment.
Initial assessments to identify ELs’ strengths, needs, and proficiency levels for instructional planning.
Diagnostic assessments are crucial for tailoring instruction.
What is Progress Monitoring?
Regular checks (e.g., checklists, anecdotal records) to track ELs’ language and academic growth over time.
This process helps in identifying trends in student performance.
What is Authentic Assessment?
Tasks reflecting real-world language use, such as role-plays or interviews, to evaluate EL skills.
Authentic assessments aim to measure practical language abilities.
List the Language Proficiency Levels defined by WIDA.
- Entering
- Emerging
- Developing
- Expanding
- Bridging
- Reaching
These levels describe the progression of English Learners (ELs).
What are Accommodations in assessments?
Adjustments (e.g., extra time, bilingual dictionaries) to ensure fair assessment for ELs without altering standards.
Accommodations help to level the playing field for diverse learners.
What is the purpose of a Placement Test?
Assesses overall proficiency to place students in the correct class level.
Example: A test given to new ESL students to determine their reading, writing, and speaking level.
Define Cultural Bias in testing.
Occurs when a test includes cultural references unfamiliar to students from different backgrounds.
Example: A question about U.S. sports that might confuse students unfamiliar with them.
What is a Performance-Based Assessment?
Students demonstrate skills through tasks like projects, presentations, or hands-on activities.
Example: A student giving a presentation on climate change instead of taking a written test.
What does Validity ensure in a test?
Ensures the test measures what it claims to measure.
Example: A math test that includes reading comprehension questions is not valid for testing math skills.
What characterizes an Objective test?
Tests with one correct answer, like multiple-choice or fill-in-the-blank.
Example: A math test with problems that have only one solution.
What is a Proficiency Test?
Measures a student’s overall ability in a language, not tied to specific content.
Example: An ESL test that assesses reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills.
Define Acculturation in the context of language learning.
The process of adapting to a new culture, which can affect language learning.
Example: A student from a non-English-speaking country may struggle with U.S.-specific cultural references in language tests.
