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Claire McLaughlin and Ellen Manos

In this course, you will learn how to design assessments around the needs of your ELL students and their language level. You will learn how to incorporate language and content requirements for both formative and summative assessment types. You will learn to assess your ELL students through the use of project and task-based assignments. You will learn to use and modify rubrics to align to and measure student achievement of your language and content learning objectives. The course will also briefly cover strategies for supporting ELL students during standardized testing.

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In this course, you will learn how to design assessments around the needs of your ELL students and their language level. You will learn how to incorporate language and content requirements for both formative and summative assessment types. You will learn to assess your ELL students through the use of project and task-based assignments. You will learn to use and modify rubrics to align to and measure student achievement of your language and content learning objectives. The course will also briefly cover strategies for supporting ELL students during standardized testing.

Upon completing this course, you will be able to:

* Conceptualize theories of authentic assessment as they apply to second language learners

* Design formative assessment types incorporating language and content objectives

* Design summative assessment types incorporating language and content objectives

* Incorporate project and task-based assignments as assessment tools for ELLs

* Design rubrics that align to language and content objectives for your ELL(s)

* Apply the use of rubrics, both language and content, to the work of your ELL(s).

* Support your ELL(s) as they participate in standardized testing

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What's inside

Syllabus

Introduction to Authentic Assessment with the ELL in Mind
Welcome to week 1 of the course! The material presented in the lessons this week is key to understanding assessments and its impact on ELLs. By the end of this module, you will be able to identify the purpose of different types of assessment, identify key concepts in authentic assessment, understand the difficulties associated with assessing ELLs, review language and learning objectives within a lesson or unit plan for assessment purposes, apply techniques for authentic assessment design using specific questions as criteria. Let's get started!
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Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Teaches assessment strategies for English Language Learners
Taught by Claire McLaughlin and Ellen Manos, recognized educators and authors
Examines the theory and practice of authentic assessment
Provides strategies for grading English Language Learners
May be beneficial for educators working with English Language Learners
Requires prior knowledge of assessment and English language learning

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Reviews summary

Practical assessment for ell educators

According to learners, this course provides practical strategies and tools highly relevant for educators working with English Language Learners. Many found the content on designing assessments and using rubrics particularly useful for their daily teaching practice. The course is seen as providing a solid foundation in assessment theory specifically tailored to ELL needs, helping teachers support their ELLs effectively. Overall, the course is described as highly beneficial and applicable.
Workload is reasonable and practical
"The course assignments felt practical and relevant to my teaching, not just busywork. The workload was manageable."
"I was able to balance the course material and assignments with my full-time teaching schedule."
"The weekly structure and assignments were clear and helped me apply the concepts without being overwhelming."
"The course required thoughtful engagement with the material, but the time commitment felt appropriate."
Guides effective rubric design and use
"Learning how to design and modify rubrics for both language and content objectives was incredibly helpful. A major takeaway."
"The section on rubrics gave me clear steps to create assessment tools that align with my learning outcomes for ELLs."
"I appreciated the guidance on using rubrics for peer and self-assessment with ELLs. It's changed how I approach grading."
"The course provided useful examples and frameworks for creating rubrics tailored specifically to the needs of ELL students."
Tailored to the needs of ELL students
"This course is specifically focused on assessing ELLs, which is exactly what I needed as a teacher in a diverse classroom."
"The emphasis on language levels and content objectives for assessment was spot on and highly relevant to my students' needs."
"It addresses the unique challenges of assessing second language learners in a thoughtful and practical way."
"Finally, a course that helps educators understand how to assess achievement *with the ELL in mind*."
Offers immediately useful tools and ideas
"I found the strategies presented to be immediately applicable in my classroom with my ELL students. Very practical!"
"The ideas shared in the course helped me design more effective assessments that truly measure what my ELLs know, not just their language level."
"This course gave me concrete methods for modifying assessments and supporting my students during testing."
"I now have a better understanding of how to create assessments that are fair and accurately reflect my students' learning."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Assessing Achievement with the ELL in Mind with these activities:
Review: Using language and content requirements in assessments
Review concepts related to using language and content requirements in assessments to ensure you have a strong foundation for the course.
Browse courses on Authentic Assessment
Show steps
  • Read through the course syllabus to make note of the topics and activities.
  • Review introductory materials on authentic assessment, including its purpose and key concepts.
Review of grading strategies
Review grading strategies to ensure you have a solid understanding of how to grade ELLs fairly and effectively.
Browse courses on Grading
Show steps
  • Read through the course materials on grading strategies.
  • Review your own grading practices and identify areas for improvement.
Collection of sample assessments
Gather a collection of sample assessments to use as references and for inspiration in your own assessment design.
Browse courses on Assessment
Show steps
  • Search online and in your professional network for sample assessments.
  • Organize the assessments by type, topic, or language level.
  • Review the assessments and identify the strengths and weaknesses of each.
Five other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Practice using assessment techniques
Engage in practice drills to reinforce your understanding of different assessment techniques.
Browse courses on Formative Assessment
Show steps
  • Create a formative assessment for a specific language and content objective.
  • Create a summative assessment for a specific language and content objective.
  • Create an alternative assessment for a specific language and content objective.
Peer review of assessment materials
Engage in peer review of assessment materials to gather feedback and improve your own assessment practices.
Browse courses on Assessment
Show steps
  • Identify a peer or group of peers to collaborate with.
  • Exchange assessment materials for review.
  • Provide constructive feedback to your peers.
  • Incorporate feedback into your own assessment practices.
Workshop on creating and using rubrics
Attend a workshop to develop your skills in creating and using rubrics for language and content assessment.
Browse courses on Rubrics
Show steps
  • Research and identify a workshop on creating and using rubrics in language and content assessment.
  • Attend the workshop and actively participate in hands-on activities.
  • Apply what you learned in the workshop to your own assessment practices.
Volunteer as a language tutor
Practice your assessment skills and gain valuable experience by volunteering as a language tutor.
Browse courses on Language Teaching
Show steps
  • Identify a volunteer opportunity at a local school or community center.
  • Prepare lesson plans that incorporate formative and summative assessments.
  • Deliver lessons and provide feedback to students based on your assessments.
Design and deliver a project-based assessment
Create and deliver a project-based assessment to evaluate your students' understanding of language and content objectives.
Browse courses on Project-Based Learning
Show steps
  • Identify a suitable topic for a project-based assessment.
  • Design the project, including the objectives, timeline, and assessment criteria.
  • Deliver the project to your students and provide guidance and support.
  • Assess student work using the criteria you have established.

Career center

Learners who complete Assessing Achievement with the ELL in Mind will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Teacher of English to Speakers of Other Languages
A teacher of English to speakers of other languages (TESOL) teaches English to non-native speakers. The course "Assessing Achievement with the ELL in Mind" can be useful to TESOL teachers who want to learn how to assess their students' language and content knowledge in a fair and accurate way. The course provides an overview of the theories and practices of authentic assessment, which is a form of assessment that is designed to measure students' language and content knowledge in a real-world context. This knowledge can help TESOL teachers to develop and implement assessment plans that are appropriate for their students and that can help them to succeed in their English language learning.
English as a Second Language Teacher
An English as a Second Language (ESL) teacher teaches English to non-native speakers. The course "Assessing Achievement with the ELL in Mind" can be useful to ESL teachers who want to learn how to assess their students' language and content knowledge in a fair and accurate way. The course provides an overview of the theories and practices of authentic assessment, which is a form of assessment that is designed to measure students' language and content knowledge in a real-world context. This knowledge can help ESL teachers to develop and implement assessment plans that are appropriate for their students and that can help them to succeed in their English language learning.
Educational Consultant
An educational consultant provides advice and support to schools and other educational institutions. The course "Assessing Achievement with the ELL in Mind" may be useful to educational consultants who work with English language learners. The course provides an overview of the theories and practices of authentic assessment, which is a form of assessment that is designed to measure students' language and content knowledge in a real-world context. This knowledge can help educational consultants to develop and implement assessment plans that are appropriate for ELLs and that can help them to succeed in their academic programs.
Educational Researcher
An educational researcher conducts research on educational topics. The course "Assessing Achievement with the ELL in Mind" may be useful to educational researchers who are interested in studying the assessment of English language learners. The course provides an overview of the theories and practices of authentic assessment, which is a form of assessment that is designed to measure students' language and content knowledge in a real-world context. This knowledge can help educational researchers to design and conduct research studies that are valid and reliable.
Language Arts Teacher
A language arts teacher teaches reading, writing, and language skills to students. The course "Assessing Achievement with the ELL in Mind" may be useful to language arts teachers who work with English language learners. The course provides an overview of the theories and practices of authentic assessment, which is a form of assessment that is designed to measure students' language and content knowledge in a real-world context. This knowledge can help language arts teachers to develop and implement assessment plans that are appropriate for ELLs and that can help them to succeed in their academic programs.
Literacy Coach
A literacy coach provides support and guidance to teachers and students in the area of literacy. The course "Assessing Achievement with the ELL in Mind" may be useful to literacy coaches who work with English language learners. The course provides an overview of the theories and practices of authentic assessment, which is a form of assessment that is designed to measure students' language and content knowledge in a real-world context. This knowledge can help literacy coaches to develop and implement assessment plans that are appropriate for ELLs and that can help them to succeed in their academic programs.
School Administrator
A school administrator manages the day-to-day operations of a school. The course "Assessing Achievement with the ELL in Mind" may be useful to school administrators who work with English language learners. The course provides an overview of the theories and practices of authentic assessment, which is a form of assessment that is designed to measure students' language and content knowledge in a real-world context. This knowledge can help school administrators to develop and implement assessment plans that are appropriate for ELLs and that can help them to succeed in their academic programs.
Special Education Teacher
A special education teacher works with students who have disabilities. The course "Assessing Achievement with the ELL in Mind" may be useful to special education teachers who work with English language learners. The course provides an overview of the theories and practices of authentic assessment, which is a form of assessment that is designed to measure students' language and content knowledge in a real-world context. This knowledge can help special education teachers to develop and implement assessment plans that are appropriate for ELLs and that can help them to succeed in their academic programs.
Speech-Language Pathologist
A speech-language pathologist assesses and treats speech and language disorders. The course "Assessing Achievement with the ELL in Mind" may be useful to speech-language pathologists who work with English language learners. The course provides an overview of the theories and practices of authentic assessment, which is a form of assessment that is designed to measure students' language and content knowledge in a real-world context. This knowledge can help speech-language pathologists to develop and implement assessment plans that are appropriate for ELLs and that can help them to succeed in their academic programs.
Technical Writer
A technical writer creates instruction manuals, technical specifications, and other documents that explain complex technical information to non-specialists. The course "Assessing Achievement with the ELL in Mind" may be useful to technical writers who work with English language learners. The course provides an overview of the theories and practices of authentic assessment, which is a form of assessment that is designed to measure students' language and content knowledge in a real-world context. This knowledge can help technical writers to develop and implement assessment plans that are appropriate for ELLs and that can help them to succeed in their academic programs.
Translator
A translator converts written or spoken text from one language to another. The course "Assessing Achievement with the ELL in Mind" may be useful to translators who work with English language learners. The course provides an overview of the theories and practices of authentic assessment, which is a form of assessment that is designed to measure students' language and content knowledge in a real-world context. This knowledge can help translators to develop and implement assessment plans that are appropriate for ELLs and that can help them to succeed in their academic programs.
Academic Advisor
An academic advisor is a guidance counselor who helps students navigate the educational system and achieve their academic goals. The course "Assessing Achievement with the ELL in Mind" can be useful to academic advisors who work with English language learners. The course provides an overview of the theories and practices of authentic assessment, which is a form of assessment that is designed to measure students' language and content knowledge in a real-world context. This knowledge can help academic advisors to develop and implement assessment plans that are appropriate for ELLs and that can help them to succeed in their academic programs.
Writing Center Tutor
A writing center tutor provides guidance to students on their writing assignments. The course "Assessing Achievement with the ELL in Mind" may be useful to writing center tutors who work with English language learners. The course provides an overview of the theories and practices of authentic assessment, which is a form of assessment that is designed to measure students' language and content knowledge in a real-world context. This knowledge can help writing center tutors to develop and implement assessment plans that are appropriate for ELLs and that can help them to succeed in their academic programs.
Curriculum Developer
A curriculum developer is responsible for designing and developing educational programs and materials. The course "Assessing Achievement with the ELL in Mind" may be useful to curriculum developers who work with English language learners. The course provides an overview of the theories and practices of authentic assessment, which is a form of assessment that is designed to measure students' language and content knowledge in a real-world context. This knowledge can help curriculum developers to design and develop assessment tools that are appropriate for ELLs and that can help them to succeed in their academic programs.

Reading list

We've selected 11 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Assessing Achievement with the ELL in Mind.
Provides a collection of articles on assessment and language education. It includes information on assessment theory, assessment design, and assessment practices.
Provides a practical guide to assessment in language teaching. It includes information on assessment theory, assessment design, and assessment practices. This book classic with several editions. It is commonly used and is very relevant to second language assessment.
Provides a comprehensive overview of language assessment, including chapters on assessment theory, assessment design, and assessment practices.
Provides a comprehensive overview of second language writing assessment, with a particular focus on the use of rubrics and portfolios. It would be a good additional reading for instructors who are interested in using these assessment techniques.
Provides a comprehensive overview of speaking assessment, with a particular focus on the use of tasks and rubrics. It would be a good additional reading for instructors who are interested in using these assessment techniques.
Provides a comprehensive overview of listening assessment, with a particular focus on the use of tasks and rubrics. It would be a good additional reading for instructors who are interested in using these assessment techniques.
Provides an overview of language assessment, focusing on testing and the role of assessment in the language classroom. It would serve as a good foundational or historical text for this course.
Provides an introduction to the assessment of language proficiency. It includes information on assessment theory, assessment design, and assessment practices.
Provides a critical overview of the use of technology in language teaching, including several case studies, and would be a good additional reading for instructors who are interested in using technology-based forms of assessment.
Provides a comprehensive overview of assessing speaking. It includes information on assessment theory, assessment design, and assessment practices.

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