Jenna_M
New member
- Joined
- May 21, 2017
- Member Type
- Teacher (Other)
- Native Language
- English
- Home Country
- United States
- Current Location
- United States
Hello Everyone!
I am currently working as a Kindergarten Special Education Teaching while getting my Masters in English Language Learning and Teaching. This is my first post on a public, professional forum. In my current course, we have been discussing various assessment strategies for English Language Learners. One of our more recent class discussions focused on the advantages and disadvantages of standardized testing in regards to assessing ELLs. As a class, we agreed that the disadvantages of standardized testing of ELLs outweigh the advantages. Many of our discussions focused on the issue that standardized tests are not designed for culturally and linguistically diverse learners and therefore can present a unique set of challenges for ELLs. Others noted that standardized testing does not allow for the modifications and flexibility necessary for meeting the learning needs of both ELLs and CLD students. As a class, we agreed that standardized testing does not provide educators with a true representation of the abilities of ELLs, and therefore does little to set them up for success.
As an English Language Learner or Teacher, what is your stance on the issue of standardized testing of ELLs? If you are for standardized testing, what are some benefits in regards to aiding the learning and success of ELLs? If you are against standardized testing, what are some alternate forms of assessment that may be more successful in assessing the learning and progress of ELLs?
Thank you for sharing your thoughts, perspectives, and insights!
Jenna
I am currently working as a Kindergarten Special Education Teaching while getting my Masters in English Language Learning and Teaching. This is my first post on a public, professional forum. In my current course, we have been discussing various assessment strategies for English Language Learners. One of our more recent class discussions focused on the advantages and disadvantages of standardized testing in regards to assessing ELLs. As a class, we agreed that the disadvantages of standardized testing of ELLs outweigh the advantages. Many of our discussions focused on the issue that standardized tests are not designed for culturally and linguistically diverse learners and therefore can present a unique set of challenges for ELLs. Others noted that standardized testing does not allow for the modifications and flexibility necessary for meeting the learning needs of both ELLs and CLD students. As a class, we agreed that standardized testing does not provide educators with a true representation of the abilities of ELLs, and therefore does little to set them up for success.
As an English Language Learner or Teacher, what is your stance on the issue of standardized testing of ELLs? If you are for standardized testing, what are some benefits in regards to aiding the learning and success of ELLs? If you are against standardized testing, what are some alternate forms of assessment that may be more successful in assessing the learning and progress of ELLs?
Thank you for sharing your thoughts, perspectives, and insights!
Jenna