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Assessment of English Language Learners

This free webcast is available online anytime.

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It is made possible by AFT Teachers, a division of the American Federation of Teachers, as part of a Colorín Colorado partnership between AFT and Reading Rockets.

Featuring Dr. Lorraine Valdez Pierce, discussing effective classroom strategies for assessing English language learners.

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Program description

This 45-minute webcast is a thorough introduction to assessment for teachers of English language learners. Dr. Lorraine Valdez Pierce will discuss performance-based standardized assessments; assessment as a tool for informing instruction; use of assessment to reinforce reading comprehension; and student self-assessment and self-monitoring.

Dr. Lorraine Valdez Pierce will also provide practical advice on how ESL and classroom teachers can collaborate when assessing English language learners and making decisions based on those assessments. Tips on record keeping and rubrics are also included.

Moderator

Delia Pompa is the moderator of this webcast. She is the Vice President of the Center for Community Educational Excellence at the National Council of La Raza.

Presenter

Portrait of Lorraine Valdez Pierce Lorraine Valdez Pierce is an Associate Professor in the Graduate School of Education at George Mason University. She focuses on designing curriculum and assessment procedures for English language learners at the Center for Language & Culture. She has also published articles in TESOL Journal, TESOL Matters, and Educational Assessment.

Discussion questions

Discuss ways that assessment can promote learning.
Generate your own definition of "performance-based classroom assessment."
Share strategies you currently use that encourage students to monitor their own learning.
How do a child's native language literacy skills help them acquire literacy skills in a second language?
Is there a system in place at your school to assess native language literacy skills?