Designing effective assessments for English language learners

Assessments measure progress, but for English as a Second Language (ESL) students, they can do much more. Assessments can boost confidence and ensure equitable access to education. However, more often than not, language proficiency is equated with content knowledge in traditional assessments. In order to best serve multilingual students, teachers need to utilize assessment strategies that are inclusive and flexible, and can reflect student potential and growth.

This blog post will cover why specialized assessment is necessary, how to design ESL-friendly assessments, and the importance of continuous development for educators of ESL students.

Foundational principles for designing ESL-friendly assessments

What is photosynthesis? Can you understand it without first knowing what a chloroplast is? The process of explaining photosynthesis becomes challenging when students are still discovering the definition of related scientific terms. During assessments, ESL students are often tested twice: on their language proficiency and on their subject knowledge. Idioms, cultural references, and needlessly complex syntax all complicate testing further and work against assessing student comprehension of course concepts.

Cultural relevance and bias reduction

Prioritizing a teaching approach that draws from and amplifies each student's culture, knowledge, experiences, and interests helps enhance the real-world relevance of course content.¹ Learning and assessment materials that explore diverse backgrounds combat cultural bias with inclusivity.

Universal Design for Learning (UDL)

Students learn in different ways, and the flexibility of UDL enables students to access content and truly show what they know through three guiding principles: engagement, representation, and action and expression.² In developing your lesson plans and course materials, consider diversifying not only the ways in which you present information but also how students can demonstrate their understanding. Incorporating multimodal assignments, for example, can give students more opportunities to showcase their strengths.

Types of assessments and when to use them

The right assessment at the right time can make all the difference for English learners.

Formative assessment for English learners

Checking in with English learners through low-pressure formative assessments–such as role plays, reflection exercises, ungraded quizzes, and exit tickets– gives teachers a clearer picture of what's clicking, so they can step in with the right support and tweak lessons on the spot.³

Summative assessments

Summative assessments provide opportunities for teachers and students alike to gain a deeper understanding of progress and knowledge attainment. Using summative assessment outcomes, teachers can make more informed decisions about future lesson plans and provide more targeted support to students.⁴

Diagnostic assessments

Conducting language testing for K-12 ESL students before instruction begins helps identify each student's starting point, guide appropriate placement, and inform targeted interventions.⁵ Diagnostic tools include screeners, learning style inventories, and student interviews.

Designing ESL assessments with intention

Thoughtful assessment design ensures that what you're measuring is actual subject mastery, not just English proficiency. The goal is to remove unnecessary language barriers while maintaining academic rigor.

Simplify language

Streamlined prompts allow ESL students to demonstrate their subject knowledge. For instance, instead of prompting students to "Evaluate the ramifications of the protagonist's moral ambiguity," consider asking, "How does the main character's choice affect what happens next?” The latter tests students on their understanding of course content rather than their command of academic vocabulary.

Use rubrics that separate English proficiency from content mastery

Rubrics can be helpful for both teachers and students alike, serving to clarify expectations and ensure consistency in grading. Designing rubrics that isolate content knowledge from language development can help ensure that student work is evaluated fairly and that feedback is targeted. A student may have a deep understanding of the Socratic method, for example, but struggle to describe it fluently in English. A fair rubric separates subject knowledge from language skills.⁶

Accommodations that promote true access

For assessments to be equitable, ESL students need the right tools, timing, and flexibility. Accommodations can help level the playing field.

Offer alternative response modes

Alternative assessment formats can showcase both how students learn and how their language skills evolve over time.⁷ Providing students the option to demonstrate their knowledge through alternatives to standard written responses—such as recorded explanations, slide presentations, oral responses, or labeled diagrams—allows them to leverage their strengths.

Leveraging technology to expand assessment options

Digital tools can open new doors for both assessing and supporting English learners, making it easier to personalize and diversify evaluation methods.

Use adaptive digital platforms

You can personalize assessment through technology, such as by using translation tools, videos, and interactive read-alouds or adaptive assessment platforms that modify question difficulty based on responses.⁸ Digital platforms engage students and offer insightful data about ESL students' subject knowledge.

Create digital portfolios

From photos and audio recordings to creative writing pieces, videos, and more, multimodal portfolios can include a broad range of learning artifacts and serve as a student's evidence of evolution. One study even found that digital portfolios improved pronunciation, fluency, and motivation to practice oral skills for students learning English.⁹

Analyzing data and offering feedback

Assessments themselves are only one part of effective instruction. Breaking down assessment data, identifying patterns, and using that information to guide instruction can transform outcomes for ESL students.

Disaggregate data by language proficiency

Examining assessment data with a focus on language proficiency can reveal patterns that might otherwise be missed.¹⁰ Which skills are consistently challenging for intermediate English learners? Where are novice students excelling despite language barriers? You can find the answers in the data.

Use error analysis to drive instruction

A wrong answer on student assessments is like a clue. Instead of simply marking it in red pen, analyze it to see where the student went wrong. You may see common threads in group analysis.¹¹ Discovering the why can facilitate further instruction.

Engage students in their own assessment journey

Setting personal goals can empower ESL students by giving them greater ownership of their learning journey.¹² Supporting students in developing a plan to meet their personal goals can foster motivation and increase engagement.

Professional development: Where equity starts

Ongoing professional development builds the skills and awareness needed to assess ESL students fairly and effectively.

Assessment practices

Regular training provides educators with the tools they need to reflect on and address biases that might enter into assessment.¹³ Training can also help teachers develop a richer understanding of how second-language development intersects with learning, how to interpret data equitably, and how to design assessments that account for the unique needs of ESL students.

Collaborative scoring and reflection

Scoring student work together with other educators creates a space to discuss expectations and calibrate a level of consistency. Reflective practice encourages ESL educators to continually observe and evaluate their own assessment scoring and teaching practices and ultimately refine their approach to better serve the needs of learners.¹⁴

Take your teaching career to the next level

Implementing inclusive assessment strategies in the classroom can help create a learning environment in which all students can thrive. The University of Kansas offers an online Master of Science in Education (M.S.E.) in curriculum and instruction with an emphasis in TESOL, as well as a graduate certificate in TESOL. Our flexible online programs are designed to equip educators with the tools to lead, advocate, and transform classroom practices for English learners. At KU, you’ll learn from faculty who are leaders in the field, and engage in coursework that focuses on culturally-inclusive teaching, research-backed assessment strategies, and language development theory.

Ready to elevate your teaching practice? Review our admissions process, connect with an admissions outreach advisor, or contact us today to learn more about how our programs can help you achieve your professional goals.