Assessment Ensuring standards of student assessment practice that support adult learning Using Assessment to Foster the Language Development of ESOL Learners Facilitator: Michael Perrone Audience: ESOL instructors, program managers Assessment plays a critical role in the language development of our students. This workshop will give teachers of English as a second/foreign language a foundation in language assessment. Participants will come away with tools to create valid classroom tests that not only reliably measure student achievement and proficiency but also help guide instructional decisions. We will explore how aspects of principal language assessment, such as validity, reliability, authenticity, practicality, and washback, affect teaching and learning. Participants will learn to construct valid and reliable classroom assessments of all the language proficiencies, using forms including multiple choice, portfolio, and essay assessments. Date: AST 14-100 - Thursday, September 26 Time: 9:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
BEST Plus Test Administrators’ Training Facilitator: Be Jensen Audience: ESOL instructors, testing staff Become a certified BEST Plus test administrator. Participants will practice administering the printbased or computer-based version of the test and will become familiar with CAL’s standardized testing procedures and scoring rubric. Participants receive a test administrator guide and practice CD. Dates: AST 14-102 - Monday, September 30 AST 14-103 - Wednesday, October 30 AST 14-104 - Wednesday, November 20 AST 14-105 - Friday, December 6 Time: 9:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
BEST Plus Refresher Course Facilitator: Be Jensen Audience: Previously certified BEST Plus administrators The Center for Applied Linguistics (CAL) and the New York State Education Department (NYSED) require that BEST Plus test administrators attend a refresher training once a year in order to continue as BEST Plus test administrators. The refresher course provides a comprehensive review. Dates: AST 14-111 - Monday, September 23 AST 14-112 - Thursday, October 24 AST 14-113 - Wednesday, November 13 AST 14-114 - Wednesday, December 4 Time: 9:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m.
TABE Administrators’ Training Facilitator: Be Jensen Audience: ABE instructors, GED/HSE instructors Increase rigor when administering the Test of Adult Basic Education (TABE). Become familiar with TABE Forms 9 & 10 as an assessment tool for placing students, monitoring student progress, planning instruction, and improving your program. Learn about the various TABE materials, especially the Locator Test, the Complete Battery Form, and the Survey Form. Compare the different levels, content, and formats of the test. Participants will learn how to administer the test and interpret the scores using the Norms Book. Dates: AST 14-106 - Tuesday, September 24 AST 14-107 - Tuesday, October 22 AST 14-108 - Tuesday, November 26 AST 14-109 - Wednesday, December 11 Time: 9:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Indicators of Program Quality Facilitator: Be Jensen Audience: Program managers, anyone See description on page 21. Date: PTM 14-101 - Friday, November 1 Time: 9:30 a.m. –12:30 p.m.
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