1.+Introduction


 * Introduction**

The purpose of this assessment portfolio is to examine my knowledge and understanding of assessment of English language learners. Through this portfolio, I think that I have gained a great deal of knowledge regarding the standards (WIDA, Common Core, IL ELPS). I have also learned more about assessments as it relates to the assessment of English language learners. This assessment portfolio will be used as resource for me but it can also be used as a resource for other teachers or professionals within the education arena that would like to gain more insight on assessment of bilingual students.

This assessment portfolio contains an overview of the standards, specifically WIDA, Common Core and IL EPS and where they can be located on the World Wide Web. The standards are important because it will help guide the curriculum in the classroom and help teachers track the progress of their students as they develop language proficiency and academically. The standards are also useful for understanding where students should be based on their grade level. This information would valuable for scaffolding students’ learning.

This portfolio also contains information on high stakes testing and English language learners. High stakes (standardized tests) is defined and some of the major issues concerning it are examined. Additionally, accommodations for standardized testing are discussed, as well as, another means of testing, multiple measures. This information is given to provide insight regarding standardized tests and the disservice it has done for English language learners.

More importantly, this portfolio contains information on best practices and authentic assessments that may be used in the classroom. This section of the portfolio is very practical and is easy to implement in the classroom. Each assessment is described and some examples of how to use them are provided. These authentic assessments are also useful because they can help the development of English language learners, thereby, increasing their chances of performing better on standardized tests.

Lastly, this portfolio contains reflections on assessment of English language learners. The first reflection is an interview of bilingual teacher regarding her experience with assessments for bilingual students. The second reflection is a personal reflection of my thoughts on assessments of English language learners.