McNamara Ch.2 Communication and the design of language tests

I think all kinds of language tests are good for all language learners. If a learner cannot pass one particular language test, the learner can be tested in another design of language test, depending on grade level. I think earlier tests are as good as the current performance tests. I rather use tests that are simple to make and easy to score. Whatever a criterion is tested in any test, it is judged or measured for quality learning. Reading this article has focused my attention on the kinds of classroom tests that I use with my students. I hope to make better assessments in the future.

The No Child Left Behind Act and English Language Learners: Assessment and Accountability Issues

Did your teacher test you in reading, writing, and math? My grandson answered, "Yeah, two times in reading, once in writing, and about eight times in math to see what level we are on." These are the recent tests given since school started five weeks ago in the fifth grade. "I had fun having Yup'ik culture math using berries, because we tasted berries and made a graph at the same time." At another time, "I had fun making super sentences like, 'The green pizza came to lunch at 12:00 o'clock." So now I'm thinking, are these tests good and fair assessments and are they accountable? My initial reaction was yes! I think teaching and assessing the main subjects using what is relevant for learners supports their education. I believe these kinds of teachings and assessments will likely help the LEP students in our area. Sometimes it takes time to make the AYP with happy results for all at the end.

Testing, testing...What is a language test?

I remember when I first took a language test back in Wrangell Institute third grade classroom in reading and math. We young natives were seated separately around large tables with a booklet and a pencil. I remembered none of the reading test, but I was totally confused on a large division problem. It had two digit divisors and about five dividends. I had no idea on how to solve it and this has always been in my memory. Since then I have experienced taking English tests through elementary, high school, and college. To me, language testing is testing to check ones knowledge in reading, writing, math, etc. and how the learners will use that knowledge in a real life world. When I use language testing in my classroom, the scores help me to look for ways to teach better and to find ways how students learn best.

Moving Toward Authentic Assessment

What is a genuine test or assessment? The chapter defined authentic assessment as "multiple forms of assessment that reflect student learning, achievement, motivation, and attitudes which are included in performance assessment, portfolios, and student self-assessment." There are several standard performance assessment that I use with my students in high school and upper elementary grades for Yup'ik; a couple or more standards for project-portfolio; and other standards for skills assessment. I like using authentic assessment with my students. This kind of assessment helps me to see where my students can be able to make a learning performance. When I tell a student that s/he is advanced in a particular standard on a level, the student is often motivated to learn more and has an advantage to help others who need it. I often hear some students answer a question for other students who ask for a word or phrase in Yup'ik. The project-portfolio is leaned toward a student's accomplishments in creating a craft or learning values of Yuuyaraq. The skills assessment are other standards mainly under Yup'ik language and fluency where students study and learn during class time. Students are given individual testing when they are ready for skills assessment. A couple of characteristics of performance assessment which I try to use with my students are constructed response and authenticity.

Maori Approaches to Assessment

While reading this wonderful article, the children and parents with everyone else in my community kept entering my mind. The people of Maori and their approach to assessment in their projects and curriculum seems to be a positive role model for other languages and cultures that need may need improvements or change. I see that the Maori culture has their values well grounded to their young children with the help of their families and relatives. Some of their values are similar to our culture as well as some of the proverbs. It is interesting how they used their ancestors values to embed their principles to their Early Childhood Education System. Their principles of empowerment, holistic development, relationships, and family & community assessments and education has given their children the knowledge to live successfully among their people. I honestly would like to see that among our people. As educators we can count to make that a reality to especially empower our students to begin listening to their parents, their teachers, and to the rules of any society. This article also reminded me of how things to used to be when elders were around fifty plus years ago.

Teacher Suspended for Refusing to Give State Test

This is the first time I read about a teacher who refused to give state test to his students in his classroom. I think Car Chew did what he had to do because maybe he got tired of seeing his students struggle through the tests each and every time. What good is a test without positive results? This question could have gone through Carl Chew's mind. I see he really cares for his students. He has faith and determination to work harder with his students and their parents. Carl Chew has represented many teachers who also think the same about state testing. It will be interesting to see how many more teachers will follow Carl Chew's step and probably get to see some change in state testing.