Return-Path: <nifl-esl@literacy.nifl.gov> Received: from literacy (localhost [127.0.0.1]) by literacy.nifl.gov (8.10.2/8.10.2) with SMTP id i2QHWRm19724; Fri, 26 Mar 2004 12:32:27 -0500 (EST) Date: Fri, 26 Mar 2004 12:32:27 -0500 (EST) Message-Id: <BAY99-F40X1fhVjpEhd000286ce@hotmail.com> 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: "Lynne Weintraub" <lynneweintraub@hotmail.com> To: Multiple recipients of list <nifl-esl@literacy.nifl.gov> Subject: [NIFL-ESL:10107] new citizenship test at TESOL X-Listprocessor-Version: 6.0c -- ListProcessor by Anastasios Kotsikonas Content-Type: text/plain; format=flowed Status: O Content-Length: 4551 Lines: 82 For those of you are headed to the TESOL conference next week: If you are interested in/concerned about the new US citizenship test that USCIS (formerly "INS") is putting together, there will be several opportunities at TESOL to get a look at what they're working on and offer your comments on the content, format, and other elements of the redesign project. USCIS will be at booth 311 throughout the conference to answer questions and offer information (including sample test questions). They are also presenting a demonstration session titled "Redesigning the Naturalization Test for US Citizens" on Friday April 2 from 9:30 to 10:15 and again on Saturday April 3 from 9:30-10:15. In addition, they will be at two networking rooms, one on Thursday from 10:00 am until noon, and again on Friday from 4:00 to 6:00 pm. It's important that USCIS gets guidance from the field at this critical stage, and they've demonstrated that they're interested in what we have to say, so please don't miss this opportunity to participate. For additional information on the project (from USCIS) read below, and/or check the updates on my citizenship educators' webpage: citizenshipnews.com Lynne Weintraub Citizenship/ESL Consultant Amherst MA Greetings! As many of you may know, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is currently revising the U.S. history, government and English tests administered as part of the naturalization process. USCIS has placed a renewed emphasis on cultivating awareness and understanding of American civic values and the commitments associated with U.S. citizenship. An important part of this objective is ensuring that the U.S. history, government, and English tests administered to naturalization applicants are fair, uniform, and meaningful. We have contracted with a professional test development company to help us redesign the tests. We're not planning on making the tests either more difficult or easier. We're also not going to allow the new test to unfairly impact any particular group of applicants. Instead, our focus is on making the test more meaningful and the process more standardized. Currently, both the content of the naturalization exam and the process used to administer the exam can differ from office to office. We'll carefully pilot the revised tests before beginning implementation in 2006. Once we finalize the content, our newly created Office of Citizenship will coordinate the development of educational materials to help immigrants prepare for the new naturalization test and, more importantly, ensure they understand the meaning of U.S. citizenship. We're planning on implementing a revised test format for the history, government and reading tests, most likely using multiple-choice items. However, we are open to your suggestions and feedback. For the writing and speaking tests, we will show applicants photographs and ask them to describe them, some in writing and some orally. Again, we are open to exploring other suggested formats. Finally, we are considering allowing applicants to take the new test either on paper or on a computer, depending on their preference. We are still studying these options and have not yet made any final decisions. Through the entire process, we have and will continue to consult with our stakeholders. We've received feedback from community representatives, adult educators, ESL instructors, and USCIS officers on issues ranging from test question format and content, to pilot test plans and study guide techniques. As an additional part of our efforts to obtain input and feedback on the redesign process, we will be presenting information at the TESOL Convention in Long Beach, CA, March 31st - April 3, 2004. We will also be providing information at our booth for the duration of the convention, which will contain additional background on the test, as well as sample test items. If you will be in attendance, we look forward to seeing you there. For more information about the USCIS naturalization test redesign process, or should you have questions, concerns, or suggestions, please contact us. We are always willing to share our plans and want to hear your ideas. Amy.Baide@dhs.gov <mailto:Amy.Baide@dhs.gov> Lynn.L.Thai@dhs.gov <mailto:Lynn.L.Thai@dhs.gov> Gerri.Ratliff@dhs.gov <mailto:Gerri.Ratliff@dhs.gov> _________________________________________________________________ Is your PC infected? Get a FREE online computer virus scan from McAfeeŽ Security. http://clinic.mcafee.com/clinic/ibuy/campaign.asp?cid=3963
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