Return-Path: <nifl-assessment@literacy.nifl.gov> Received: from literacy (localhost [127.0.0.1]) by literacy.nifl.gov (8.10.2/8.10.2) with SMTP id i24FbdI08420; Thu, 4 Mar 2004 10:37:39 -0500 (EST) Date: Thu, 4 Mar 2004 10:37:39 -0500 (EST) Message-Id: <000901c401fd$bdd4a580$0302a8c0@wtrbct.adelphia.net> Errors-To: listowner@literacy.nifl.gov Reply-To: nifl-assessment@literacy.nifl.gov Originator: nifl-assessment@literacy.nifl.gov Sender: nifl-assessment@literacy.nifl.gov Precedence: bulk From: "Bonnie Odiorne" <bonniesophia@adelphia.net> To: Multiple recipients of list <nifl-assessment@literacy.nifl.gov> Subject: [NIFL-ASSESSMENT:359] RE: Teacher Qualifications in Assessment? X-Listprocessor-Version: 6.0c -- ListProcessor by Anastasios Kotsikonas X-Mailer: Microsoft Outlook CWS, Build 9.0.2416 (9.0.2910.0) Content-Transfer-Encoding: 8bit Content-Type: text/plain; Status: O Content-Length: 3337 Lines: 80 As a former practitioner for a literacy organization and a program facilitator for my program for the state, I was required to take CASAS trainings in administering, interpretation and incorporating into instruction. This is in the standard reading and math portions, as well (now) as writing. I think training in the assessments is invaluable. Not to "teach to the test," but to remain mindful of the importance of the skills that are tested as I move about in our curriculum and trying to highlight them, as well as developing individualized plans of instruction where the class and the individual students have gaps. In writing, I can address the writing process from very specific performance guidelines. The shortcoming of the CASAS is that there is no skills breakdowns in specific items to identify tasks/skills that would be needed in order to successfully complete a test item. Not is there a breakdown on exactly where in the reading process errors occur. The literacy organization had its own assessment for level determination which, while not adequately formulated or standardized, did address specific difficulties. Equally, in ESL there is no specific for grammar level, particular errors encountered, or to account for the student who is orally and perhaps even reading proficient, but who has difficulty speaking and/or writing. This is an interesting question for one who, despite an academic background, is proficient in the field "hands on" and through self-education. So the trainings I have received have been invaluable. Warmest Regards, Bonnie Odiorne Ph.D Program Faciliator Working Smart Computers 4 Kids Silas Bronson Library Information Technology Center Waterbury, CT Integrating Technology, ABE and ESL Instruction -----Original Message----- From: nifl-assessment@nifl.gov [mailto:nifl-assessment@nifl.gov]On Behalf Of Marie Cora Sent: Thursday, March 04, 2004 10:18 AM To: Multiple recipients of list Subject: [NIFL-ASSESSMENT:358] Teacher Qualifications in Assessment? Hi all, I was wondering what you all thought of Lisa Soricone's second question regarding teacher qualification - but in the area of assessment. 2) teacher qualification We are trying to move beyond simply saying that programs need to hired "qualified staff." What exactly does it mean to be a qualified teacher/administrator/counselor in ABE? More specifically, what do you consider the most essential qualifications for ABE instructors in general? GED instructors? ESOL instructors? ABE administrators? ABE counselors? As an assessment specialist, I have found that mandates and changes are demanded much too quickly for the majority of practitioners to stay with or ahead of the learning curve. Do you feel that a solid background in assessment is an essential qualification for an ABE practitioner? What are the assessment basics that you want teachers (and programs managers) to know in order to feel prepared in their work? Or this question: If a teacher does not have a good sense of assessment basics, but administers the TABE or BEST test to students, is this an issue? What do you think? marie cora NIFL Assessment List Moderator _________________________________________________________________ FREE pop-up blocking with the new MSN Toolbar – get it now! http://clk.atdmt.com/AVE/go/onm00200415ave/direct/01/
This archive was generated by hypermail 2b30 : Thu Dec 23 2004 - 09:46:08 EST