Jamal Abedi presents research on English Learner assessments
Fall 2009
Jamal Abedi was invited to the United Kingdom this fall to present his findings on linguistic factors in the assessment of English learners. He met with faculty and students at the University of Bristol, and presented at an International Conference on Education and Development at Oxford University.
Abedi’s research suggests English learners may not be able to demonstrate in English their knowledge of content areas such as math and science. Consequently, standard assessments of their grasp of these core subjects may be inaccurate. He examines the effects of the testing method (e.g., computer, paper-and-pencil, hands-on); the pattern of responses; the effect of format, from font to organization; and the design and wording of questions, to recommend modifications to tests nationwide that will ensure English learners’ content knowledge can be more accurately assessed.
