Administering a Classroom Test to ESL Students

Assessment is part of every mainstream teacher's classroom. Here are a few tips on adapting test taking for your ESL students:

• Let students know throughout the unit how their achievement will be measured
• Align instructional methods and assessment methods
• Check comprehension frequently throughout instruction
• Supplement tests with other measures (observation, participation, discussions with students, and projects)
• Review tests "through the eyes of an English learner". Look for difficult language and cultural bias; provide support such as word banks
• Read tests to beginning English learners
• Allow more time for English learners or give the test in sections

Source: Diaz-Rico, L.T. & Weed, K. Z. (2010) The crosscultural, language, and academic development handbook. Boston: Allyn & Bacon.