Digital newsletter for families of ELLs to explain assessment practices

Full Answer Section

• Formative Assessments: Imagine these as mini-quizzes or tasks throughout the year. They help teachers see how your child is learning day-to-day. Teachers might use discussions, short writing assignments, or quick checks for understanding to see if your child grasps the concepts being taught. This allows teachers to adjust their teaching and provide extra support if needed. (https://www.cal.org/)

• Summative Assessments: These are similar to final exams, given at the end of a unit or semester. They assess your child's overall understanding of the content and their English language skills acquired during that period. Summative assessments help us measure your child's progress and identify areas where they might excel or need additional support moving forward.

Dual Goals: Assessing Language and Content Together

All assessments are designed to match both ELP Standards (English Language Proficiency) and Content Standards (subjects like Math, Science, etc.). This ensures your child develops both their English language skills and their understanding of the subject matter being taught. (https://wida.wisc.edu/assess/wida-assessments)

Testing with Confidence: Accommodations for ELLs

We understand that taking a test in a new language can be challenging. To ensure a fair assessment, we provide accommodations like extended time, bilingual dictionaries, or allowing students to answer questions orally instead of writing. (https://wida.wisc.edu/assess/wida-assessments)

Using Assessment Data to Build Success

The information gathered from assessments helps us create the best learning environment for your child. We use it to:

• Group students effectively: Place students with similar learning needs together for targeted instruction.
• Design engaging lessons: Develop lessons that cater to your child's specific strengths and weaknesses.
• Identify areas for improvement: Provide additional support or enrichment activities to help your child excel.

Clear Communication: Keeping You Informed

We value your partnership in your child's education! We strive to communicate assessment results in a clear and timely manner:

• Parent-Teacher Conferences: Schedule regular meetings to discuss your child's progress and answer any questions you may have.
• Progress Reports: Provide written reports outlining your child's development and areas of focus.
• Student Self-Reflection: Encourage your child to reflect on their learning using age-appropriate tools. This can include drawings, simple checklists, or short discussions about what they learned and what they found challenging.

Remember: Assessments are tools to help your child thrive, not something to be afraid of! We encourage you to discuss assessments with your child and celebrate their progress, big or small. Working together, we can ensure your child's success in learning English and mastering new content!

Sample Answer

Welcome to our ELL Family Newsletter! Today, we'll shed light on the different assessments used in our classrooms to empower your child's success in learning English.

Types of Assessments: Helping Us Guide Your Child's Learning Path

Think of assessments as guideposts on your child's English learning journey. Here are the different types we use:

• Diagnostic Assessments: These are like check-ups at the doctor's office, but for English skills! They happen at the beginning of the year (or when a student joins our class) to understand your child's current level of speaking, listening, reading,