Using Literacy Assessments With English Language Learners: Considerations and Benefits

• In Event: 72.064 - Roundtable Session 29
  In Roundtable Session: 72.064-11 - Language and Literacy Research Issues

Abstract

To effectively research the literacy development of second language learners and provide this population with strong literacy instruction, it is essential to have valid and reliable assessments of their language and literacy skills. If using assessments designed for monolingual, native speakers of English with English learners, we must understand how assessment results could differ for this population. Based on this need, this study examined the use of the Qualitative Reading Inventory, Fifth Edition (Leslie & Caldwell, 2011), the Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test, Fourth Edition (Dunn & Dunn, 2007) and the Words Their Way Elementary Spelling Inventory (Bear, Invernizzi, Templeton, & Johnston, 2012) with English learners. The findings illuminate unique challenges and benefits in using these assessments with adolescent English learners.

Author

• Melissa Anne Latham Keh, Bridgewater State University