CTEL Assessment for English Learners Questions and Answers

Question 1

A middle school teacher wants to assess an English learner's ability to apply scientific concepts in a real-world context, rather than just measuring their content knowledge through a multiple-choice test.
Which of the following would be the MOST effective assessment strategy?

Accepted Answer

A portfolio assessment where the student collects and reflects on their lab reports and projects over time.

Answer

A summative, end-of-unit exam with simplified English.

Answer

A standardized achievement test to compare the student's performance to national norms.

Answer

A diagnostic pre-test administered at the beginning of the school year.

Question 2

According to California guidelines, what is the primary purpose of the Initial ELPAC (English Language Proficiency Assessments for California)?

Accepted Answer

To identify a student's initial English proficiency level upon entering a California school.

Answer

To measure an English learner's annual progress in acquiring English.

Answer

To determine if a student is eligible for special education services.

Answer

To provide a summative score for reclassification as Fluent English Proficient.

Question 3

A teacher is preparing a history test for a class that includes several English learners. To ensure the assessment is equitable and accurately measures content knowledge rather than language proficiency, which of the following is the BEST accommodation to provide?

Accepted Answer

Providing a bilingual, word-to-word dictionary and allowing extra time.

Answer

Removing all images and graphics from the test.

Answer

Requiring all students to complete the test in the same amount of time.

Answer

Increasing the number of complex, multi-clause sentences in the questions.

Question 4

Mr. Davila uses 'exit tickets' at the end of his science lessons. Students must answer one or two short questions about the day's topic. He reviews these responses to adjust the next day's lesson plan and identify students needing extra support. This assessment practice is an example of:

Accepted Answer

Formative assessment

Answer

Summative assessment

Answer

Diagnostic assessment

Answer

Standardized assessment

Question 5

When analyzing assessment data for English learners, it is most important for a teacher to:

Accepted Answer

Disaggregate the data to look for patterns in performance related to both language proficiency and content knowledge.

Answer

Compare the ELs' scores directly to those of native English speakers without any other context.

Answer

Use a single test score to make high-stakes decisions about program placement.

Answer

Assume that low scores are always due to a lack of content knowledge.

Question 6

Which of the following describes the primary goal of an authentic assessment for an English learner?

Accepted Answer

To evaluate a student's ability to apply skills and knowledge in a real-world, meaningful context.

Answer

To rank the student's performance against that of their peers in the district.

Answer

To quickly measure a student's memorization of discrete vocabulary words.

Answer

To diagnose a student's phonological awareness before they begin reading instruction.