Assessing English Language Learners: Bridges From Language Proficiency to Academic Achievement by Margo Gottlieb (2006, Corwin Press, www.corwinpress.com)

If you are looking for resources to help your English language learners (ELLs) succeed academically, WIDA suggests Margo Gottlieb's Assessing English Language Learners: Bridges From Language Proficiency to Academic Achievement. Used in several pre-service and professional development programs across the country, this book complements the WIDA ELP Standards and Resource Guide, offering concrete ideas for standards-based curriculum implementation. Dr. Gottlieb was able to build bridges from academic language to academic achievement through the perspectives of instruction, assessment, and accountability. Remaining student-centered, she shows how to comply with the law while making ELLs' school experience meaningful and enriching. Dr. Gottlieb infuses throughout her work examples of placement forms, classroom assessments, oral proficiency assessment tools, record-keeping, and many other practical forms for teachers and administrators.

In addition to the practicality of Assessing English Learners, the highest value of this text is in the opportunities for reflection it provides educators. Looking at assessment in a larger context, Dr. Gottlieb encourages the exploration of the political and social aspects of today's educational system. Furthermore, she promotes deeper understanding of the dichotomy of the ESL profession, ensuring educational equity by providing ELLs with access to grade level content while helping students continuously develop their academic language proficiency. Understanding the individuality and the interrelatedness of these tasks is at the heart of what ELL educators face every day. The academic success of ELLs hinges on educators' attention to these details.

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