Rules allowing former English language learners extra help don't pass test, say education critics

[Harold Schiffman]

Rules allowing former English language learners extra help don't pass
test, say education critics
BY Meredith Kolodner
DAILY NEWS STAFF WRITER

Thursday, April 23rd 2009, 4:00 AM

A change in testing procedures giving former English language learners
extra help taking exams will make it hard to compare 2009 results with
previous years, critics charge.

In the past, only current English language learners were allowed aid
like extra time, use of bilingual dictionaries and seeing the test an
hour before it begins.

"It's likely that the test scores for [the former English language
learners] will increase," said Robert Tobias, former top testing
official for the city schools.

"You would be comparing two sets of students who are being tested
under different circumstances."

The state Board of Regents approved a policy last fall allowing extra
help for former English language learners for two years after they
test proficient on the state's English-as-a-second language exam.

"These accommodations grew out of our sense of wanting to level the
playing field," said Board of Regents Chancellor Merryl Tisch.

The change affected about 30,000 city students this year, according to
the city Education Department.

The accommodations will be allowed for students taking
third-through-eighth-grade math and English tests as well as the
Regents exams required for graduation.

Education experts and advocates for immigrants say the added help will
allow the tests to more accurately measure former English language
learners' mastery of the tested skills.

"It takes kids five to seven years to master academic English," said
New York University Prof. Pedro Noguera.

"Many people become fluent in spoken English, but it takes them longer
to master technical English, so to have the extra support is an
important thing."

http://www.nydailynews.com/ny_local/education/2009/04/23/2009-04-23_rules_allowing_former_english_language_learners_extra_help_dont_pass_test_say_ed.html


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