Teachers' Perception of Language Demands in Standards and Assessment Materials for Multilingual Learners

• In Event: Language Ideologies and Language Awareness in Teacher Education

Abstract

To address the critical need to support multilingual learners, it is vital for teachers to understand the characteristics of language demands included in academic standards and their related assessments. By doing so, teachers will be better equipped to employ effective strategies to help multilingual learners meet the standards. Teacher will also have a better lens to interpret and utilize assessment results. In this study, we aimed at examining teachers’ perception about the language demands in standards and assessment materials as well as challenges in using these materials for multilingual learners. The findings indicate teachers’ heavy emphasis on vocabulary demands to identify language demands. We will discuss implications for the types of professional support.

Authors

• Mikyung Kim Wolf, Educational Testing Service
  Presenting Author

• Laura Ballard, Educational Testing Service
  Presenting Author

• Florencia Tolentino, Educational Testing Service
  Presenting Author

• Alison L. Bailey, University of California - Los Angeles
  Presenting Author