Contents
Introduction
Formative and Summative Assessment
Assessment Purposes
The Effects of Assessment on the Classroom
Assessment Literacy
Assessment Concepts and Terminology
Activities and Questions
2: Language Acquisition and Assessment
The BICS/CALP Distinction
Activities and Questions
3: Understanding Context and Standards
Some Background
Understanding and Crafting Learning Standards
Analyzing and Understanding Existing Standards
Analyzing and Understanding WIDA Standards
Activities and Questions
Creating Test Specifications
Writing Test Directions
Writing Multiple Choice Items
Writing True/False Items
Writing Fill-in-the-Blank Items
Creating Writing Prompts
Creating Rubrics
Implementing Test Accommodation
Bringing It All Together: Writing a Test
Activities and Questions
5: Assessing the Receptive Skills: Listening and Reading
Why Is Listening Important?
Types of Listening
Listening Assessment Standards
Types of Listening Activities
Listening Activities for Assessment
Why Is Reading Important?
Reading Assessment Standards
Types of Reading Activities
Reading Activities for Assessment
Activities and Questions
6: Assessing the Productive Skills: Speaking and Writing
Why Is Speaking Important?
Teaching Pronunciation in a Speaking Class
Speaking Assessment Standards
Types of Speaking Activities
Speaking Activities for Assessment
Why Is Writing Important?
Types of Writing
Writing Assessment Standards
Types of Writing Activities
Writing Activities for Assessment
Conclusion
Activities and Questions
Why Is Grammar Important?
Basic Considerations in Teaching Grammar
Grammar Assessment Standards
Types of Grammar Activities
Why Is Vocabulary Important?
Vocabulary Assessment Standards
Types of Vocabulary Activities
Activities and Questions
8: High-Stakes, Standardized Assessments
Problems
Question Types
Scoring Reports
Accommodations
Testing Strategies
Final Thoughts
Activities and Questions
Importance of the Theory-Practice Link
Major Approaches to Assessment
Developing Your Assessment Philosophy
When All Is Said and Done
Discussion Questions
References