In this series of self-directed and facilitated virtual sessions, you will learn how to use a variety of assessments and the principles of backward design in both remote and in-person ESOL classes. You will explore how purposeful assessment practices can inform instruction, support learner progress, and help adult learners develop the language and skills needed for academic success, workforce readiness, and community participation.
- ESOL teachers who wish to strengthen their ability to use different types of assessment and backward design to improve student learning outcomes in both remote and in-person classes.
This professional development activity/course is designed for:
Assessment is an essential element of effective instruction. In this hands-on workshop, you will explore the purpose, benefits, and application of a variety of assessments, including needs assessments, student self-assessments, and formative and summative assessments. Presenters will model these assessment practices throughout the course, and you will have opportunities to apply them in authentic instructional contexts.
Using the principles of backward design, you will identify learning outcomes, define effective assessment strategies, and build learning plans that guide learners toward successful achievement of targeted objectives. You will also examine how assessment data can be used to tailor instruction to learners' goals, including English language development for postsecondary education, workforce preparation, and increased economic mobility. By the end of the course, you will be equipped to design assessment-driven instruction that supports meaningful learning and helps adult English learners achieve their personal, educational, and career goals.
- Part 1: Independent Activities in Canvas (1/18–1/25/2027)
- Part 2: Virtual Session on Zoom (1/25/2027 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.)
- Part 3: Independent Activities in Canvas (1/25–2/1/2027)
- Part 4: Virtual Session on Zoom (2/01/2027 - 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.)
- Part 5: Independent Activities in Canvas (2/1-2/8/2027)
- Part 6: Virtual Session on Zoom (2/8/2027 - 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.)
Total PD Hours: 10.5
PLEASE NOTE:
- Before the course opens, registrants will receive a separate email with instructions on how to access your course in Canvas. If you do not receive these instructions, please check your Spam folder and/or send an email to nruskin@edc.org.
- Use needs assessments to customize instruction based on learners' goals, strengths, and needs, including those related to education, workforce preparation, and daily life
- Apply backward design principles to align assessments with instructional goals and desired learning outcomes
- Use summative assessments to evaluate student learning and measure achievement of unit objectives
- Provide meaningful feedback and create opportunities for learner engagement through assessment activities that promote reflection, growth, and learner autonomy
- Use formative assessments to gauge student learning, inform instruction, and support learners' progress toward language proficiency, workforce readiness, and other personal and educational goals
Upon completion of this professional development activity/course, you will be able to:
Participants should have the ability to participate in Zoom virtual sessions.
United States
