Posted: January 25th, 2016

n this activity, you will investigate early childhood and English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) assessment practices in your local community

In this activity, you will investigate early childhood and English for Speakers of Other
Languages (ESOL) assessment practices in your local community. In consultation with your
course instructor, identify and schedule at least two individuals to interview: at least one
early childhood teacher and one ESOL coordinator. {If your district has a coordinator for early
childhood special education and/or gifted education, you might want to interview them, as
well.] Find out about the practices currently followed to assess young children, including those
who are English language learners (ELL), and those who have or may have developmental
delays or disabilities or may be gifted.
Investigate the following:
• Find out about practices related to the determination school readiness and possible
developmental delays (and/or giftedness) of preschoolers (ages 3-4) and kindergartners.
• Identify the names of instruments used.
• Inquire about assessment modifications that might be used for ELLs and students with
disabilities.
• Ask about the role of parents and other family members in the assessment process.
• Find out about the policies and practices related to the assessment of ELL children.
 Identify the legal requirements and reporting procedures regarding assessment
and education of ELLs (e.g., the META Consent Decree).
• Ask about activities conducted related to the state comprehensive exam (e.g., the
FCAT—or its replacement—in Florida). Find out how results are utilized to plan
children’s learning experiences.