Assessment of English Language Learners Course Information
EDUB 654 Assessment of English Language Learners
Course Description
In this course, candidates analyze a number of issues in the assessment of English Language Learners. Candidates examine the political context for assessment, including trends in statewide testing and recent changes in federal legislation and study the guidelines for appropriate assessment procedures in the identification and placement of English language learners and those with possible learning disabilities. Candidates also examine various types of classroom-based assessments used in education today and learn how to link assessment to instruction.
Week 1
Lecture: English Language Learners in Today's Classroom
Outcomes
- Identify measures to identify English Language Learners
- Summarize the details of creating a welcoming classroom environment
- Explain the foundations of instructing and assessing English Language learners in the classroom context
Week 2
Lecture: Standards and Assessment
Outcomes
- Distinguish the difference between social language proficiency, academic language proficiency, and academic achievement
- Understand elements of the second language acquisition process
- Identify types of support for English language learners
Week 3
Lecture: Instructional and Theoretical Foundations of Assessment
Outcomes
- Define the terms testing, assessment, and evaluation
- Explain the difference between norm-referenced and criterion-referenced tests
- Identify the components within classroom assessment and explain the various phases
Week 4
Lecture: Assessing Oral Language and Literacy Development
Outcomes
- Describe various activities used to assess English language learners’ oral skills
- Summarize some of the measures used to assess the reading and writing skills of English language learners
Week 5
Lecture: Assessment in the Content Areas
Outcomes
- Explain the concept of content-based instruction and assessment in relation to language proficiency
- Identify some of the unique characteristics of the content areas of Math, Science, and Social Studies for English language learners
Week 6
Lecture: Performance Assessment
Outcomes
- Define performance assessment
- Explain some of the factors teachers must consider when using performance assessment
- Discuss the use of rubrics in performance assessment
Week 7
Lecture: Standardized Testing and Reporting
Outcomes
- Explain the correlation between standardized testing and English language learners
- Discuss the implications of NCLB on English language learners
- Defend the importance of multiple measures in assessing English language learners
Week 8
Lecture: Special Education Issues
Outcomes
- Explain the implications of the disproportionality of English language learners in special education
- Defend why there should be concerns in regard to the disproportion of English language learners in special education
- Explain why teachers play a critical role in reducing referrals of English language learners to special education
The course description, objectives and learning outcomes are subject to change without notice based on enhancements made to the course. October 2011
