Test Scores and Criteria for Exiting Programs
A number of states have created policies that tell school districts how to apply test scores from English-language-proficiency tests when deciding if English-language learners should leave special programs. States developed new English-proficiency tests, which measure students' progress in reading, writing, speaking, and listening, to comply with the No Child Left Behind Act. The tests are also intended to assess students' knowledge of "academic English"—the language of school.
Read about the new wave of state policies in "States Seeking Proper Balance in Use of ELL Test Scores," which I wrote for this week's issue of Education Week.
Comments
In Florida, the intent is to use CELLA to comply with NCLB requirements and report AYP and to use it as high stakes assessment based upon scores derived from a limited pilot several years ago. Florida also proposes exiting based upon composite scoring. It is my understanding that concers raised in the CELLA task force meetings went unaddressed.
Posted by: Rochelle | March 26, 2008 10:38 PM