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January 5, 2007
ISBE DELL e-Broadcast 2007.49 - Assessing ELLs: A
Collaborative Invitation for Educators
As part of a collaborative project, the ISBE Divisions
of Assessment and English Language Learning (DELL) and
the Center for Applied Linguistics (CAL) are seeking
the assistance of local educators to suggest improvements
for the ACCESS for ELLs ® Kindergarten ACCESS for
ELLs and Kindergarten W-APT test. Specifically, we will
be adapting the current tests to the new Pre K-K WIDA
standards. With this in mind, local educators are invited
to facilitate future test development in any of the five
ways described below.
- Respond to a survey on how you currently use the
K-WAPT test, what you use it for, and your reaction
to individual
items and to administration procedures. This information
will guide us in framing the next version of the
K-WAPT and maximize use for teachers and administrators. (The
survey should take approximately 10 minutes to complete.)
- Allow a representative of ISBE/CAL to view the administration
of the Kindergarten ACCESS for ELLs during the
IL test window opening January 15, 2007. This will
allow us
to gather observational data about the strengths
and weaknesses
of the current test administration protocol and
record test samples. This option will require local
districts
to obtain parental release forms for the recordings.
A brief interview with the kindergarten teacher(s)
administering ACCESS will follow the observation.
- Serve
as an item writer for the new instruments. While
the level of effort may vary, CAL will reimburse experienced
kindergarten teachers for their time at $30.00
per
hour. In addition to item writing, participating
kindergarten teachers will participate in one-day training
to be
held
in Illinois at a time and date still to be determined.
- Serve on an item basis and content review panel in
early April 2007. This will be a day long effort held
at
a still to be determined location. Transportation
and per
diem expenses will be paid by CAL and the effort
will qualify for professional development units.
- Allow ISBE
Student Assessment/CAL to field test the new test
instruments in your district schools during
May 2007. These tests will be conducted by staff
from CAL.
In closing, if educators from your district would
be willing to participate in any of the options described
above, please contact Emily Evans at CAL by email eevans@cal.org or
by phone at (202)355-1551.
back to 2006-07 Archive
Illinois State Board of Education
100 North First Street
Springfield, IL 62777
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