This article acknowledges a huge issue with standardized testing: language learners are penalized because of their lack of language mastery, and often also because of lack of cultural knowledge. The “powers that be” need to admit that these types of test are completely inappropriate for students who are still learning the language (and please remember, full academic proficiency takes three to nine years!!) and are biased against ELLs in many ways. So why do we still give these tests to learners who are predestined to fail or do poorly? Well, that’s a good question. This article indicates that at least they are thinking about these issues in the US, how much longer until something is actually done about it in the US, the UK, and many other places with standardized testing?
ELLs Need More Attention in Common Assessment Groups, Reports Say.
on raising bilingual children 