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Standards for English Language Learners

Standards and assessments shape instruction for English language learners. Standards define the language and content expected of EL students, and assessments evaluate students based on instruction guided by standards. There are arguments for both keeping standards the same for all students to create a common educational ground, and changing standards to better meet the different academic needs of EL students learning a new language. The document discusses existing English language proficiency standards and assessments and whether they are sufficient or need to be modified.

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83 views1 page

Standards for English Language Learners

Standards and assessments shape instruction for English language learners. Standards define the language and content expected of EL students, and assessments evaluate students based on instruction guided by standards. There are arguments for both keeping standards the same for all students to create a common educational ground, and changing standards to better meet the different academic needs of EL students learning a new language. The document discusses existing English language proficiency standards and assessments and whether they are sufficient or need to be modified.

Uploaded by

api-404207311
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Standards and Assessments for English Language

Learners: Should We Change Them?

By: Meredith Seay and Laurie Shapiro


Standards That Impact ELs: Language proficiency and teaching standards shape the
instruction given to EL students.
Why They Matter: Standards are tools that define that language and content that ELs are
expected to learn.
Assessments: Standards and assessments go hand in hand, as students are evaluated based upon
instruction, which is guided by standards set forth on state and national levels.

Keep Them the Same! Make a Change!


If we have the same standards for all Students learning a new language have
students, we create a common ground for different academic needs than students who
education. are already proficient in English.

Existing Standards and Assessments:


Existing Standards and Assessments: *In 2001, No Child Left Behind mandated
*ELP standards that were mandated for language proficiency standards. These
each state by the federal government are TESOL standards were last updated in
intended to provide organizations with a 2006, and only serve as a bridge to
framework to use in developing, mainstream standards. End of year state
implementing, and evaluating programs mandated tests are the same for all
that allow teachers to teach English as a students.
second or foreign language.
Why It Is Not Enough:
Why They Should Stay the Same: *According to Pearson, 25% of EL
*According to Jayne Ellspermann, students drop out of school, and “those that
principal of West Port High School in do graduate often lag behind their peers on
Ocala, Florida, we need to have ELs follow achievement tests.”
the same standards and assessments as *This is because current standards do not
their Native English speaking peers so that provide strategies to assist ELs, foster the
all students have a common ground for ability to use English, or focus on language
education. acquisition.

What Needs to Change:


Overall Outcome/Goal: *ELs need separate state standards and
*If all students are being exposed and assessments that focus on language
taught according to the standards and proficiency needs.
along with the assessments, then ELL *Instruction and assessment should focus
students are learning the content along mainly on language acquisition and
with the English language, where these engagement.
students will learn to speak in both
academic and social settings.

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