Testing Accommodations
Time Extension: Schools may extend the test time for
LEP students.
Principals may use any reasonable extensions, such as "time and a half" (the
required testing time plus one-half of that amount of time), in accordance with
their best judgment about the needs of the LEP students. Principals should
consult with each student's classroom teacher in making these determinations.
Separate Location: Schools are encouraged to provide optimum testing
environment and facilities for LEP students. They may administer State tests to
LEP students individually or in small groups in a separate location.
Bilingual Dictionaries and Glossaries: LEP students may use bilingual
dictionaries and glossaries when taking these examinations. The bilingual
dictionaries and glossaries may provide only direct translations of words.
Bilingual dictionaries or glossaries that provide definitions or explanations
are not permitted.
Third Reading of Listening Sections: On
ELA and English Regents exams, a third reading
of listening sections may be administered.
Simultaneous Use of English and Alternative Language Editions: For examinations
other than the ELA or
English Regents, LEP students may use both an English and an alternative language
edition of the test simultaneously. However, they should be carefully instructed
to record all of their responses in only one of the two editions. The
alternative language edition used by the student should be so indicated on the
student's answer document.
Oral Translation for Lower Incidence Languages: Schools may provide
LEP
students with an oral translation of these examinations when there is no
translated edition provided by the Department. All translations must be oral,
direct translations of the English editions; written translations are not
allowed. No clarifications or explanations may be provided. The translator
should receive a copy of the English edition of the test one hour prior to
administration. The Department's Office of Bilingual Education and the Bilingual
Education Technical Assistance Centers (BETACs) can assist schools in locating
suitable translators.
Writing Responses in the Native Language: LEP students making use of
alternative language editions or of oral translations of these examinations may
write their responses to the open-ended questions in their native language.
Scoring the tests is the responsibility of the school. However, the Department's
Office of Bilingual Education and the Bilingual Education Technical Assistance
Centers (BETACs) can assist schools in locating persons who can translate the
students' responses into English to facilitate scoring of the answer papers.
* These are New York State-approved testing accommodations but may also be used at the district's/school's/teacher's discretion.
** Note: All students having been in the United States for a year or more as of January 2008, are required to take the ELA test for '08.
New York State LEP Identification Process
The New York State ESL Learning Standards
The Four Stages of Second Language Acquisition
What Affects English Language Learning?/The Silent Period
Helping LEP Students Adjust to the Classroom
Recommended Classroom Strategies for Teachers Working with ELLs
Challenges in Content Area Learning for ELLS: Reading
Challenges in Content Area Learning for ELLS: Mathematics
Challenges in Content Area Learning for ELLS: Science
Challenges in Content Area Learning for ELLS: Social Studies
Ten Ways Parents Can Promote Language Learning at Home
The Dos & Don’ts of Working with an Interpreter
Common Questions and Answers concerning ESL
Helpful Websites and Shenendehowa ESL teacher contact info
Back to Shenendehowa ESL Homepage
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