Return-Path: <nifl-esl@literacy.nifl.gov> Received: from literacy (localhost [127.0.0.1]) by literacy.nifl.gov (8.9.3/8.9.0.Beta5/980425bjb) with SMTP id NAA12658; Fri, 10 Mar 2000 13:11:52 -0500 (EST) Date: Fri, 10 Mar 2000 13:11:52 -0500 (EST) Message-Id: <s8c8d6bf.024@epcc.edu> Errors-To: listowner@literacy.nifl.gov Reply-To: nifl-esl@literacy.nifl.gov Originator: nifl-esl@literacy.nifl.gov Sender: nifl-esl@literacy.nifl.gov Precedence: bulk From: "Andres Muro" <AndresM@epcc.edu> To: Multiple recipients of list <nifl-esl@literacy.nifl.gov> Subject: [NIFL-ESL:4219] Re: using TABE to assess advanced ESOL X-Listprocessor-Version: 6.0c -- ListProcessor by Anastasios Kotsikonas Content-Transfer-Encoding: 8bit Content-Type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII X-Mailer: Novell GroupWise 5.5.3 Status: OR May be you guys can explain this to me. If the standardized tests don't measure many of the things that programs use them to assess on a regular basis, why do many people continue to use them? Wouldn't it be easier to look at a language skill in a more real life context. Suppose that we want to measure students ability to converse, wouldn't it be better to observe them conversing with English speakers? If we want to see how they read or write, wouldn't it be better to give them something like a newspaper article and see how well they understand it, or, ask them to write you a letter? This seems to make more sense to me and is not to difficult. Also, if students can show teachers that they can read, write and converse, why subjugate them to take a decontextualized standardized test. Students are often intimidated by these tests. Furthermore, teachers need to spend time preparing students for standardized tests which takes time away from engaging in meanigful language activities. Andres >>> Sandees32605@aol.com 03/08 12:13 pm >>> In a message dated 3/7/00 10:03:22 PM, KathleenBombach@aol.com writes: <<Let me add a point. Many agency staff and instructors will look at the TABE score on a second language learner, and assume that it reflects all language skills, including listening and speaking. >> Kathleen Bombach makes several very wise observations about the misuse of test scores. May I add one more: funding that is based on 'progress' or the lack thereof as measured by totally inappropriate and/or misused testing instruments. Cheers, Sue Sandeen, ESOL
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