District Assessments
The No Child Left Behind Act of 2002 requires all states to assess student reading performances beginning in 3rd grade and to set objective criteria for adequate performance on the assessment that is given (Torgesen). A thorough list of assessments is available on the Florida Center for Reading Research web site.
In Broward County Public Schools, ELLs are administered ESOL specific diagnostic (ACCESS for ELLs) and placement (IPT and KTEA when necessary) assessments to determine English language proficiency in the areas of listening, speaking, reading, and writing. For progress monitoring, ELLs are administered assessments and interventions according to the K-12 Reading Plan.
Literacy is the ability to read, write, listen, speak clearly, and think critically using print and digital materials across all disciplines. Literacy involves a continuum of learning, enabling individuals to achieve their goals, to develop their knowledge and potential, and to participate fully in their community and wider society (UNESCO, 2004).
Broward County Public School’s Literacy Field Guide for Educators is designed to support the goal of high-quality literacy instruction as the primary focus for teaching and learning in alignment to the goals of the District’s Strategic Plan, “Strengthening the Paths of Success.”
The Literacy Guide emphasizes the District’s core belief that each student has the right to learn despite differences in educational needs and backgrounds. It is our commitment to provide equitable education for students of all ages, grade levels, and within all subject areas.
The Literacy Field Guide establishes an instructional balanced literacy framework that defines key instructional practices and strategies for all educators to plan and implement in their daily instruction. The Field Guide is also universally designed to address the diversity of all students, including exceptional student education, English language learners, and gifted and talented populations.
All educators are encouraged to use the Literacy Guide as an instructional reference in ensuring that every student becomes a literate, independent, life-long learner with the necessary skills to excel and succeed in college and career within the 21st century global community.
Source: http://www.bcps-literacyguide.com/html/page001.php
Read the Balanced System of Assessments outlined in the Literacy Field guide and consider the various assessments used to inform instruction.
Read Literacy Development for English Language Learners. What elements of these assessments do you integrate in your instruction? As you design instruction to develop literacy, how do the assessments guide decision-making?
