Getting to Know LAS Links Welcome!
Here today: From DoDEA: Jizela Chirichetti, ESL ISS Europe Area From CTB/McGraw-Hill: Genevieve Olvera, ELL Solutions Manager Richard Dierkes, ESL ISS Melissa Perlman, DDESS Area Evaluation Consultant Laura a Agrusti, Training Gordon Lyncook, ESL ISS Manager Pacific Area Tricia Perrone, National Nina Roman, ESL ISS Trainer Puerto Rico District Aqila Waheed, HQ ESL ISS
Before we get started: Materials Needed for this session: Examiner s Guide Interpretation Guide Student Book (grades 4-12 only) Student t Answer Book Cue Picture Book (grades K-3 only)
Getting to Know LAS Links What is LAS Links TM? Overview of Test Materials Description of Language g Domains: Speaking Listening Reading Writing Overview - Types of Scores FAQ s
What is LAS Links?
What is LAS Links TM? LAS Links is An English language proficiency test Measures proficiency i in: Speaking, Listening, Reading and Writing Used for annual assessment of English Learners to observe and report gains in Listening Speaking Reading Writing Score Types: Overall Score Oral Score Comprehension
What is LAS Links? Grade Spans: PreK - K (PreLAS 2000) K - 1 2-3 4-5 6-8 9-12 All include Listening, Speaking, Reading and Writing
DoDEA s Objectives for LAS Links TM usage Developed to meet current education policy requirements for testing English Language Learners in English proficiency Designed to be easy to administer and to minimize time required for testing and scoring while providing thorough information Adopted to provide an inter-connected relationship between LAS Links Language Proficiency, TerraNova Multiple Assessments and CAT Plus assessment data results to inform instructional placement decisions
DoDEA s Objectives for LAS Links TM usage Adopted to provide DoDEA with a norm-referenced assessment program that will allow DoDEA to conduct an analysis of growth in student performance in longitudinal comparisons from the 2009 baseline data.
LAS Links TM K-12 th Grade Assessment LAS Links TM Assessment Speaking Listening Reading Writing Subtests Speak in Words Speak in Sentences Make Conversation Tell a Story Measures vocabulary, social and academic language & grammar Subtests Listen for Information Listen in the Classroom Listen and Comprehend Measures general comprehension and inferential and critical thinking skills at a discourse level Subtests Analyze Words Read Words Read for Understanding Evaluates phonemic awareness for recognizing words and developing vocabulary and demonstrates sentence level reading ability Subtests Use Conventions Write About Write Why Write in Detail Evaluates language usage and fluency.
LAS Links Subtests Speaking: 5-10 minutes (Individually Administered) Listening: 10-15 minutes (Group Administered) Reading: 35-45 minutes (Group Administered) Witi Writing: 35-45 minutes (Group Administered) i d)
Overview of ftest tmaterials
Overview of Test Materials All Levels Examiner s Guide Interpretation Guide Student Profile Sheet
Test Materials Grades K-3 Grades 4-12 Examiner s Guide Examiner s Guide Student Book Cue Picture Book Audio CD Student Book Student Answer Book Audio CD
Overview of the Examiner s Guide Examiner s Guide Provides instructions on what to do Before testing During testing After testing The appendixes provide scoring rubrics and sample responses for the speaking and writing portion of the test. All examiners should read this guide prior to All examiners should read this guide prior to administering LAS Links.
Description of Language Domains
LAS Links TM K-12 th Grade Assessment LAS Links TM Assessment Speaking Listening Reading Writing Subtests Speak in Words Speak in Sentences Make Conversation Tell a Story Measures vocabulary, social and academic language & grammar Subtests Listen for Information Listen in the Classroom Listen and Comprehend Measures general comprehension and inferential and critical thinking skills at a discourse level Subtests Analyze Words Read Words Read for Understanding Evaluates phonemic awareness for recognizing words and developing vocabulary and demonstrates sentence level reading ability Subtests Use Conventions Write About Write Why Write in Detail Evaluates language usage and fluency.
Test Administration Summary Skill Area Administration Mode # Items Estimated Time Scoring Speaking Individual 20 constructed responses 10 min. Score according to rubrics while administering test Listening Group or Individual 20 multiple choice 15 min. Score using Answer Key Reading Group or Individual 35 multiple choice 45 min Score using Answer Key Writing Group or Individual 20 multiple Score using choice Answer Key and 45 min 5 constructed according to responses rubrics
Overview Types of Scores
LAS Links Scores Overview: By Domain: Number Correct Scale Score Proficiency Level Overall: Scale Score Proficiency Level
LAS Links Summary of Proficiency Levels Level Proficiency Definition 5 Proficient: Student communicates effectively in English, with few if any errors, across a wide range of grade-level-appropriate language demands in the school context. The student commands a high degree of productive and receptive control of lexical, syntactic, phonological, and discourse features when addressing new and familiar topics. 4 Advanced Intermediate: Student communicates effectively in English across a range of grade-level-appropriate language demands in the school context, even though errors occur. The student exhibits productive and receptive control of lexical, syntactic, phonological, and discourse features when addressing new and familiar topics.
LAS Links Summary of Proficiency Levels Level Proficiency Definition 3 Intermediate: Student is developing the ability to communicate effectively in English across a range of grade-level-appropriate language demands in the school context. Errors interfere with communication and comprehension. Repetition and negotiation are often needed. The student exhibits a limited range of lexical, syntactic, phonological, and discourse features when addressing new and familiar topics. 2 Emerging: Student is developing the ability to communicate in English within the school context. Errors impede basic communication and comprehension. Lexical, syntactic, phonological, and discourse features of English are emerging. 1 Entry: Student is beginning to develop receptive and productive uses of English in the school context, although comprehension may be demonstrated non-verbally or through the native language, rather than in English.
FAQ s
Q: What grades does LAS Links cover? A: LAS Links assessments are available for five grade spans: K 1, 2 3, 4 5, 6 8, and 9 12. Each test in the grade span is suited for students with a range of abilities. The assessments measure five proficiency levels Beginning, Early Intermediate, Intermediate, Proficient, and Above Proficient.
Q: For what target audiences was LAS Links designed? A: LAS Links was designed to help all English language learners succeed in and out of the classroom. LAS Links K 12 Assessment and Instructional Guidance components provide tools for bilingual and ESL immersion programs, as well as professional guidance to help teachers in mainstream classrooms.
Q: Can LAS Links be used for any students whose first language is not English? A: Yes. We understand that English language learners may speak a variety of languages at home and come from a diverse range of cultures. In developing LAS Links, test t items were tried out by students who speak a variety of languages, including Spanish, Hmong, Chinese, Vietnamese, Japanese, Russian, and Arabic.
Q: Can I use LAS Links for entrance screening or to make placement decisions? A: Yes, LAS Links is an excellent tool to assist in making placement decisions. The LAS Links K 12 assessment enables accurate placement and annual evaluation of English language g learners for bilingual or ESL programs, and determines whether they are ready to exit these programs. Use one form of the LAS Links K 12 Assessment for a benchmark test. The other form may be reserved for use later in the year for an annual assessment.
Q: Can LAS Links be used as both a pre-test and a post-test? A: Yes, LAS Links offers separate forms for preand post- testing. You can alternate ate these forms as a placement test and an annual assessment, or you can use one of the three benchmark assessments available as a placement test and use either form of the K 12 assessment for the annual assessment.
Contact/Support: Jizela Chirichetti, ESL ISS Europe Area jizela.chirichetti@eu.dodea.edu Richard Dierkes, ESL ISS DDESS Area richard.dierkes@am.dodea.edu Gordon Lyncook, ESL ISS Pacific Area gordon.lyncook@pac.dodea.edu Nina Roman, ESL ISS Puerto Rico District nilda.roman@am.dodea.edu Aqila Waheed, HQ ESL ISS aqila.waheed@hq.dodea.edu
Closing/Next Steps: Become familiar with LAS Links assessment components Think about how DODEA ESL Leadership team will incorporate LAS Links into the instructional program Review and revise the LAS Links training schedule for Fall 2012 Next training March 29, 2012