Reflection 1

Standard 4.b. EDE 727

Standard 4.b. Language Proficiency Assessment. Candidates know and use a
variety of standards-based language proficiency instruments to show language growth
and to inform their instruction. They demonstrate understanding of their uses for
identification, placement, and reclassification of ELLs. Candidates are familiar with national
and state requirements, procedures, and instruments for ELL identification, reclassification, and
exit from language support programs. They use criterion- and norm-referenced language
proficiency instruments effectively and appropriately. They design assessments that measure
students discrete and integrated language skills and their ability to use social and academic
language in a range of contexts. They use formal and informal test results to inform their
instruction. They teach effective test-taking strategies.

In EDE 727 I did an assessment of a fourth grade ELL. I focused on the
language ecology of the school, classroom environment, the students background,
and his social and academic language function. After completing the assessment I
then posed some instructional implications and recommendations for my student
with the support from prior research and readings. During this experience I was
able to learn a lot about my student ranging from home life to the students use of
social and academic language in multiple contexts and in various settings. I have
also had the opportunity to tutor this student for roughly three years now; this has
given me the chance to really design instruction that best measures his language
skills and content knowledge.
During this assessment I used informal assessments such as observations
and checking for understanding, and formal assessments such as examinations,
running records, and written responses, to measure my students understanding,
and to assist me in tailoring my future instruction to better suit my learner.
Through past courses at Lehman College I have become very familiar with
the identification, placement, and reclassification process of ELLs. Being able to do
an assessment on an ELL and have the opportunity to take the time to examine a
students language skills, and use of language, to better understand how he learns
was a wonderful experience. This not only helped me get to know my tutee even
more, but it also helped me professionally. I have developed more instructional
strategies and approaches now after viewing how and when my student learns best.