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Think of it as an important first step on the long road of an English Language Learner's language proficiency and literacy development in English.

So, how might one accomplish this?  Well, the best way is to begin with an informal interview.

Elizabeth Coelho, explains the benefits of an informal interview in the "Finding Starting Points to Enable Learning" video (go to: -3:54 on video, www.edugains.ca)

The informal interview is an invaluable learning tool, because it informs the ELL Teacher/Tester about the appropriate programming supports and  appropriate placement or starting point.

Through a series a directed questions(from general to specific) and exercises(from simple to more complex) the ELL Teacher/Tester begins see the development of a language profile.

The language profile shows a student’s language proficiency (oral, reading, and writing) and literacy development.  In addition, it also shows  a skill level in mathematics.

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Source:  (STEP User Guide, page 3) [Please- click on image to enlarge.]

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ASSESSMENT TASKS...some examples:                    

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ASSESSMENT TASKS...some examples:                    

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Early Literacy:  ability to speak, identify and or write letters in the  ALPHABET / (Basic) Vocabulary: ability to identify PICTURE & WORD match / Drawing PICTURES/Identifying COLOURS.

Reading and Writing:  Reading: select a text or ask the ELL to select a text, observe behaviour, give a brief description of the text, inform ELL that they may read aloud or silently, observe/listen/make notes. Writing: try and link writing with Reading, observe behaviour/make notes, ask ELL to think about text(maybe brainstorm) before writing, and inform ELL to review work before submitting final work.
Mathematics:  examples regarding the Initial Mathematics Assessment please visit: www.edugains.ca (this information is password protected. Schoolboards have access to this information

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Personal: What is your name? What country are you from?  Can you please tell me your age? Thank you. School:   What was the last grade you completed? What is your favourite subject? What do you like about school? Are you familiar with computers? Do you enjoy other subjects? Family, Friends, Interests: Do you have any family with you? Are the other family members back home? Have you made any new friends, yet? Or, are most of your friends back home?  What about reading-do you enjoy reading? Or, do you prefer sports?
Acculturation: Can you please tell me something about your culture? Is there a lot of dancing and music in your cultural traditions? Do you think that you would be able to share your culture with us? Thank you.
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(Other comment: I know that the interview can be a long process, but your participation here today- will be of benefit going forward. Thank you again, for your time.)

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INFORMAL INTERVIEW     &                                     Initial Assessment - for the English Language Learners (ELLs)

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INFORMAL INTERVIEW     &                                     Initial Assessment - for the English Language Learners (ELLs)

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Some questions to consider in helping to determine the appropriate Step (STEPS to English Language Proficiency)

The purpose of the Informal Interview is to discover what is the best starting point for the ELLs.  Therefore, it is important to discover as much information as possible regarding prior education, knowledge, experience, skills, and interests.

Furthermore, by asking a range of topics, such as: personal, basic or general school related questions, language specific questions, and questions about family, friends, interests and Acculturation.*  A Profile or data profile will unfold.  This data will help place the English Language Learner(ELL.) Additionally, with aid of STEP( Steps to English Profiency) the ELL will be at the correct Starting Point!

(*): is a process of change that occurs between cultures, and involves: social, psychological, and cultural change.

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STEP                            (Steps to English Proficiency)  

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STEP                            (Steps to English Proficiency)  

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For further information, please consult the STEP User Guide. Please click on link (below)
STEP User Guide
&
STEP Initial Assessment Guide