English Language Learner and Multilingual Learner Testing Accommodations by Diana M. Salcedo

Separate Location (All exams)

dimsagomez — 2024-04-23 17:18:28 UTC

Flexible Setting: New York State approves translations of state exams into several languages, which allows bilingual students to fully understand test materials and ensures a more equitable testing ground.

To parents: This means your child can work in a different room or environment if it helps them focus better or feel more comfortable during tests or classwork.

Extended Time (All exams)

dimsagomez — 2024-04-23 17:18:28 UTC

Extended Time for Examinations: An important accommodation that grants ENL and bilingual students additional time to complete state assessments and exams, reducing stress and allowing for deeper comprehension and demonstration of knowledge.

To parents: Your child can have extra time to complete assignments or tests, which helps them work at their own pace without feeling rushed.

Bilingual Dictionaries and/or Glossaries

dimsagomez — 2024-04-23 17:18:28 UTC

ELLs may use bilingual glossaries when taking State examinations in all subjects except foreign languages. The bilingual dictionaries and glossaries may provide only direct one-to-one translations of words. Bilingual dictionaries and/or glossaries that provide definitions or explanations are not permitted.

To parents: The state supplies bilingual glossaries and word banks, essential tools for ENL and bilingual students to better understand and use academic vocabulary, enhancing their ability to grasp and retain complex information.

Simultaneous Use of English and Alternative Language Editions.

dimsagomez — 2024-04-23 17:18:28 UTC

Using both English and Alternative Language Editions together is not allowed for English Language Arts Examinations. ELLs can use an alternative language edition of the test provided by the Department, but they should record all their responses in only one edition and indicate the alternative language edition used on their answer sheet. Note that there are no translations available for English Language Arts examinations.

To parents: Approval for oral translations of state exams for specific languages, providing ENL students with another layer of support to fully understand exam questions and instructions.

Next Day Completion for ELLs on Regents

dimsagomez — 2024-04-23 17:18:28 UTC

To parents: This accommodation allows English Language Learners (ELLs) to complete their Regents exams on the next school day after the regularly scheduled test day, giving them extra time to process and understand the material.

Link: https://www.nysed.gov/bilingual-ed/english-language-learner-and-multilingual-learner-assessment-testing-accommodations

Third Reading of Listening Selection (English Language Arts Exams Only).

dimsagomez — 2024-04-23 17:55:05 UTC

Proctors may read the listening passage three times to ELLs on grades 3-8 English Language Arts assessments and on the Regents Comprehensive Examination in English. This accommodation is not permitted for State examinations in foreign languages, such as the Regents Comprehensive Examination in Spanish.

To parents: Hearing instructions read aloud can help some students understand what they need to do, especially if they struggle with reading or processing written information.

Oral Translation for Lower-Incidence Languages

dimsagomez — 2024-04-23 18:07:44 UTC

ELL students can receive an oral translation of an English Language Arts examination if no translated edition is available. Written translations and clarifications are not allowed. Translators should receive copies of the English edition one hour prior to the test. The Office of Bilingual Education and World Languages can help schools find suitable translators.

Writing Responses in the Native Language

dimsagomez — 2024-04-23 18:12:36 UTC

ELL students are not allowed to write their responses in their home/primary language for the English Language Arts exams. However, they may write their responses in their home/primary language for alternative language editions or oral translations of state exams other than ELA. The school is responsible for scoring the tests. The Department's Office of Bilingual Education and World Languages and the RBERNs can help translate the students' responses into English to facilitate scoring of the answer papers.