Module 6 Quiz

Initial assessments of ELL students can include which of the following pieces of information? (Select all that apply)

• The language the student speaks at home

• Their level of proficiency in English in the domains of reading, writing and speaking

• Their favourite book

• Their academic history

Answer explanation

"In addition to language proficiency, it is often helpful at this point to gather additional information in order to better understand the student's needs and assist in support planning" (Government of BC, 2018). The additional information can include their academic history, the language they speak at home, their English proficiency level, their academic skills and additional needs they may have.

What is an Annual instructional plan (AIP)?

• Contains language goals and a plan of supports and strategies based on the student's proficiency level.

• A type of assessment tool

• A plan written by student's and their parents

• Something that is optional for teachers to create at the start of the year

Answer explanation

"Annual Instructional Plans (AIP) are developed and implemented by specialist English Language Learning (ELL) educators. Specialist educators work collaboratively to identify, plan and provide services and integrated instruction to ELL students" (My Education BC, 2022). They include information such as the student's English proficiency level, language goals and support plan.

ELL students may seem "fluent" in English, but they struggle when it comes to academic language. What is academic language?

• It is the language used at school and in the workplace, and is different than the language they use with their friends

• The language students use with their friends

• Speaking a language other than English

• How students talk with their teachers

Answer explanation

"Academic language is the language of school and it is used in textbooks, essays, assignments, class presentations, and assessments. Academic language is used at all grade levels, although its frequency increases as students get older. It is also the language of the workplace" (Breiseth, n.d.).

Why is it important to have a predictable learning environment for students?

• Students will have more friends at school

• It doesn't have any effect on students

• School can be a stable part in a student's life that can be a distraction from things going on at home

• Students will listen more at school

Answer explanation

"Having a safe and familiar place to go can make a huge difference for students who are experiencing uncertainty, trauma, or stress; a normal routine can offer stability and distraction from worries at home" (Colorin Colorado, 2018).

What are ways we can help ELL students express and handle their emotions? (Select all that apply)

• Providing them with sentences frames to express their feelings

• Drawing how they feel

• Provide the sentences frames in their native language

• Teaching vocabulary to resolve conflicts

Answer explanation

"Another important tool that can help students, particularly English language learners (ELLs), is to teach them words and phrases that will help express emotions, much in the way a teacher teaches academic language" (Colorin Colorado, 2018).

What is something teachers can do to support their ELL students in the classroom?

• Not incorporate students' language in the classroom

• Assume all students know all the vocabulary you are teaching

• Include books in the classroom in your students' native language

• Don't provide opportunities for students to share about their culture

Answer explanation

It is important to make ELL students feel seen and supported in the classroom. Some ways to create an inclusive learning environment include building relationships, incorporating students' culture and language into the classroom, and supporting them with their social and emotional learning (Robertson, n.d.).

What is an example of a non-verbal assessment that can be used with students that may not be as proficient in English?

• Role-playing

• Creative writing

• Charades

• Using a rubric

Answer explanation

"For students who are shy or aren’t as proficient in English, using non-verbal assessments is a great way to see a student’s academic progress. What you’re looking for in this type of assessment is their understanding of vocabulary" (Cain, 2024).

Why are informal assessments important for ELL students?

• It shows their progress of what they are able to understand and do

• They work as well as formal assessments

• They track your progress with tests

• They measure a broad area

Answer explanation

"Ongoing assessments are particularly important for English language learners (ELLs). Standardized tests in English do not usually reflect ELLs' true content knowledge or abilities. Yet informal assessments can provide a more well-rounded picture of their skills, abilities, and ongoing progress" (Colorin Colorado, n.d.).

What is an example of providing multiple means of representation in a lesson?

• Giving students choice in how they do an assignment

• Assessing students using different tools

• Presenting information in writing only

• Showing information in multiple modes (visual, writing, audio, etc.)

Answer explanation

"Learners differ in the ways they perceive and make meaning of information". "there is not one means of representation that will be optimal for every learner; providing options for representation is essential" (CAST, n.d.).

What can you add to your lessons to ensure the success of ELL students?

Video: https://youtu.be/R422RPysEBI

• Assume that what works for some students will work for all students

• Don't include visuals

• Build on their background knowledge

• Assume all students know all vocabulary

Answer explanation

" ELLs need the literacy, language skills, and background knowledge necessary to master that new content knowledge". "Depending on their different stages of English proficiency and literacy, ELLs will benefit from the skills that a well-designed lesson can address" (Colorin Colorado, n.d.).