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T O P I C : ESL Modifications Tonya describes the issue: It is now the seventh week of school, and I have still not received "modifications" for my ESL students. I am giving a test this week. I know my ESL students need modifications, but I'm not really sure exactly what because I have not received modifications on any of these students. I have checked with the ESL teacher; she is behind on testing. As I have not received any modifications, it is my understanding I am under no legal obligation to make any changes to their tests. However, I know some should be made. What should I do? Guess at what I think I should change on the test and change it? Stick with the rules and do nothing until I receive official modications on each student? Posted September 30, 2008
 R E S P O N S E : Read Out Loud Lindsay Smith writes: First of all, I cannot believe you haven’t received modifications for your students yet! Second, I do not have any kids right now with modifications, so I’m not sure how it really works, but I know a little bit through talking with and watching other teachers in my building. Although you don’t have the legal obligation to perform the modifications necessary for these kids to take a test, as their teacher, you should do whatever possible to help them learn and understand. Have you asked your mentor teacher what to do? Have you talked with other teachers in your building about common modifications? Do you have an idea of what kind of modifications these students will have? I’m sorry I don’t have specific examples or ideas, but I do feel that it is necessary to give the students who need modifications assistance. One of the common modifications I’ve seen other teachers in my building perform for their ESL students is reading the test out loud. I wonder if that simple act would help with your students. I believe they only read the question twice and will repeat specific words if the kids ask. They divide the number of questions by the time allowed for that period. Example: 20 questions over 45 minutes in class — around two minutes per question, and then you have some time left to answer any questions. I hope this helps. Posted October 19, 2008
R E S P O N S E : Limit Choices, Mara Snedden writes: What my mentor has been doing to modify the tests is to create one modified test for all of the ESL students. She makes the multiple choice only two choices, and she generally makes short answers into multiple choice. The other thing she does is record the test so that the students can listen to it with headphones while they take the test. I would definitely modify the test in some way even if you don't have the specifics. At least do a general modification. If they have trouble on it you can always modify it more and let them redo some of the questions. It is my understanding that letting them redo assignments and tests is part of the modification process. Posted October 20, 2008
R E S P O N S E : Cut Out 'the Middle Man' Rachael Gatewood writes: Tonya, I think you should talk to the ESL teacher again. If she is unable to modify the tests on her own time, maybe she could at least supply you with copies of the proper test scores and rules that she follows when she modifies the test. Having access to the guidelines that she uses when she modifies tests for ESL students would allow you to have full supervision over your tests and make the modification process more efficient. You would be cutting out "the middle man". You would not always have to go to the ESL teacher when you need modifications for your tests or assignments in the future. You would be able to do it on your own. This would really benefit you and make you a more equipped teacher. It would also benefit you especially since you plan to get certified as an ESL teacher in the near future. Posted October 21, 2008
E-mail your suggestions and comments to fbowles@uark.edu 
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