Principles of Effective Assessment

For both standardized and alternative assessments, application of the following principles will produce effective assessment procedures:

  1. Clearly identify the purpose of the assessment (why the learners are being assessed) and what learning is to be assessed (e.g., increased speaking proficiency).
  2. Select assessment instruments and procedures that match the learning goals of the program (e.g., an oral interview to show progress in speaking skills, writing samples to show progress in writing) and that engage learners so they are interested and will strive to do their best.
  3. Whenever possible, use multiple measures to present a more complete picture of what has been learned.
  4. Ensure that adequate resources are available to carry out the assessments (e.g., enough materials, comfortable environment, adequately trained administrators and scorers).
  5. Be aware of the limitations of the assessments selected.
  6. Remember that assessment is not an end in itself, but a means to an end. Share assessment results with learners and instructors, as well as with administrative staff and funders.

Conclusion

Over the past decade, the United States has made progress in creating a cohesive adult education system through legislation such as the Workforce Investment Act and through efforts to standardize learner assessment and program reporting. The areas described above represent positive steps in addressing the complexities of demonstrating learner progress.

Additional Resources for Assessing Adult English Language Learners

Ananda, S. (2000). Equipped for the future assessment report: How instructors can support adult learners through performance-based assessment. Retrieved May 20, 2004, from http://www.nifl.gov/lincs/collections/eff/ananda_eff.pdf
* Link was available at the time of publication

National Center for ESL Literacy Education. (2001). NCLE resource collections: Assessment and evaluation in adult ESL. Retrieved December 14, 2004, from http://cal-org.wdi.net/caela/resaev.htm

U.S. Department of Education. (1999-2001). NRS online. Retrieved May 20, 2004, from http://www.oei-tech.com/nrs/

Van Duzer, C. & Berdán, R. (2000). Perspectives on assessment in adult ESOL instruction. The annual review of adult learning and literacy. Retrieved May 20, 2004, from http://gseweb.harvard.edu/~ncsall/ann_rev/index.html