Moreno's Blog

Considerations for Assessment Creation

There are a number of considerations when assessing ELL students. The first consideration is the number of and type of tasks required by the assessment. Another consideration is scaffolding which allows the ELL to demonstrate their knowledge in various ways and through various types of assessment. In addition, grading is important in terms of the weight of the task assigned. Most importantly, providing clear expectations is essential when assessing EL students.

https://www.coursera.org/lecture/ell-assessment/considerations-for-assessment-creation-gFxj7

Differentiation, Modification, Accommodation

In order to support ELs and students with special learning needs we need to make a distinction between the terms differentiation, modification and accommodation.

Accommodation Strategies for ELs

This video outlines 18 different strategies for accommodating EL students.

The Relationship between Special Education and English as a Second Language

Teachers can often use similar strategies for ELs and students with special needs. This video talks about the relationship between the two programs and how teachers can utilize evidence based strategies to teach both populations.

Under- and over-identification of ELs in Special Education

Identifying EL students for Special Education is not so clear with the majority of times ELs being over-identified. This video gives a brief overview of the topic.

Language Discrimination: English as a Language of Social Power

This article is a reminder of how language can be misused for oppressive purposes.

https://discover.hubpages.com/education/The-Psychology-of-Language-Discrimination

The way you see people is the way you treat them, and the way you treat them is what they become.

— Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

The Bilingual Learner’s Journey

This article gives a great perspective and practical advice how to support English language learners and build their identities. Having a “home language” in addition to English is an asset an not a deficit.

https://www.gse.harvard.edu/news/uk/17/02/bilingual-learners-journey

Difference between Accommodation and Modification

Accommodation and modification are commonly used terms for students receiving English as a Second Language program services. Understanding how the terms are similar and different can help teachers in providing the most effective and equitable learning opportunities for their students.

Assessment Modifications:What NOT to Do

This video is part of a course from Arizona State University and focuses on showing how to design assessments around the needs of ELL students and their language level. The course instructor talks about incorporating language and content requirements using formative (project-based, task-based) as well as summative assessments.