An Introduction to Language Assessment in the K-12 Classroom

This course introduces teachers to traditional and performance based language assessment for English language learners at the primary and secondary school level.

We will look at the legal history and politics surrounding language assessment and also discuss different test structures and methods used to assess English language learners. Then, we will examine how standardized tests are used to measure language proficiency and academic achievement. With that framework in place, we will explore how to specifically assess listening, speaking, reading, and writing, both individually and in an integrated fashion.

We will also examine test taking issues and strategies and will look at how technology can be used in assessment. Special needs students will also be addressed. While this course is primarily focused on the United States, keep in mind that many of the lessons can be generalized or applied to situations in other countries.

This course includes a knowledgeable and caring instructor who will guide you through your lessons, facilitate discussions, and answer your questions.

Natalie A. Kuhlman, Ph.D. is Professor Emeritus of Education at San Diego State University in San Diego, California. She is a past-president of CATESOL, and past Board member of international TESOL. She has worked in the area of English Language Development standards and assessment locally, nationally and internationally for thirty years. Dr. Kuhlman was the coordinator for the development of the California ELD Standards, an advisor to the California language development test and author of LOTS (Language Observation Tasks System), a performance based assessment system. She is now a member of the TESOL/NCATE ESL Teacher Standards Committee and represents TESOL on the NCATE Board (National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education). Recently she served as the Resident Director for the California State University in Querétaro, Mexico, directing a bilingual teacher preparation program.

To obtain access to this course, select a start date and click the enroll now button below:

Requirements:

Internet access, e-mail, and the Microsoft Internet Explorer or Mozilla Firefox Web browser.

Syllabus:

All courses run for six weeks, with a two-week grace period at the end. Two lessons are released each week for the six-week duration of the course. You do not have to be present when the lesson is released, but you must complete each lesson within two weeks of its release.

A new section of each course starts on the second or third Wednesday of each month. If enrolling in a series of two or more courses, please be sure to space the start date for each course at least two months apart.

To obtain access to this course, select a start date and click the enroll now button below: