Alisa said:
Clearly Claire’s brilliant authentic assessment tour de force has struck a chord as many of us slog toward the last reporting session of the year.
What’s currently in place in many districts and buildings is a lame inherited status quo, uninspired mumbo-jumbo of vague ACTFL-ese eduspeak. Adminz who aren’t in the know cling to it like flies to shit. (Ladylike, I know).
We need to walk them through:
1. How language acquisition is different from conceptual practicing & learning, so that:
2. Assessment looks different, particularly for the novice levels, which must necessarily focus on the positive behaviors that support acquisition;
3. Rates of acquisition normally vary, but we will demonstrate that all are progressing;
4. Comprehension, which can be demonstrated through many observable teacher strategies/student behaviors, is the centerpiece of any best-practice language class.
5. I’m really into numbered lists lately.