CLAD Assessment for English Learners 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which WIDA proficiency level descriptor best characterizes a student who can produce extended discourse but with inconsistent grammatical accuracy?
- Level 1 – Entering
- Level 3 – Developing
- Level 5 – Bridging (Correct answer)
- Level 2 – Beginning
Correct answer: Level 5 – Bridging
WIDA Level 5 (Bridging) students produce extended discourse but may still show inconsistencies in grammatical accuracy.
Question 2: What is a key limitation of using only norm-referenced tests to evaluate EL progress?
- They are too short to be reliable
- They do not align with state content standards
- Norms may be based on populations that did not include ELs (Correct answer)
- They cannot be scored objectively
Correct answer: Norms may be based on populations that did not include ELs
If ELs were underrepresented in norming samples, norm-referenced scores may not accurately reflect their performance.
Question 3: A district uses annual ELPAC results to reclassify EL students. Which additional data point is required under California's reclassification criteria?
- Parent signature approving reclassification
- Teacher evaluation of academic performance (Correct answer)
- A standardized IQ test score
- Federal poverty level status
Correct answer: Teacher evaluation of academic performance
California's reclassification process requires multiple criteria including teacher evaluation of academic performance alongside ELPAC results.
Question 4: Which assessment modification helps ELs demonstrate math problem-solving skills without penalizing limited English proficiency?
- Reducing the number of math problems on the test
- Allowing use of a calculator for all items
- Providing visuals and diagrams alongside word problems (Correct answer)
- Allowing another student to read problems aloud
Correct answer: Providing visuals and diagrams alongside word problems
Visuals and diagrams reduce language load so that the math assessment measures mathematical reasoning, not English proficiency.
Question 5: A teacher uses anecdotal records, work samples, and observations to assess an EL. This approach is best described as:
- Standardized summative assessment
- Portfolio-based or authentic assessment (Correct answer)
- Norm-referenced evaluation
- Benchmark assessment
Correct answer: Portfolio-based or authentic assessment
Using multiple real-world samples and observations over time characterizes portfolio-based or authentic assessment.
Question 6: Under Title III accountability, EL students must demonstrate annual measurable achievement objectives (AMAOs) in which two areas?
- Reading fluency and math computation
- English language proficiency progress and attainment of proficiency (Correct answer)
- Attendance rates and grade promotion
- Content area scores and graduation rates
Correct answer: English language proficiency progress and attainment of proficiency
Title III AMAOs require states to track ELs' progress toward and attainment of English language proficiency.
Question 7: Which scenario illustrates construct-irrelevant variance in an EL assessment?
- A math test that uses complex sentence structures causing ELs to misunderstand the math question (Correct answer)
- A reading test that includes texts at the student's proficiency level
- A writing rubric that assesses both content and language
- A science test that requires students to draw and label diagrams
Correct answer: A math test that uses complex sentence structures causing ELs to misunderstand the math question
Complex linguistic structures on a math test introduce construct-irrelevant variance by measuring language proficiency rather than math skill.
CLAD Assessment for English Learners 3
Which WIDA proficiency level descriptor best characterizes a student who can produce extended discourse but with inconsistent grammatical accuracy?