Ohio Assessments for Educators (OAE) Special Education Practice Exam

When conducting an evaluation of an English Language Learner, what is the most effective way to minimize bias?

1. Administer tests only in English

2. Focus solely on informal assessments

3. Administer tests in the student's primary language

4. Evaluate based only on verbal communication

The correct answer is: Administer tests in the student's primary language

Administering tests in the student's primary language is a highly effective way to minimize bias during the evaluation of an English Language Learner. This approach ensures that the assessment measures the student's true abilities and knowledge rather than their proficiency in English. Language barriers can significantly skew the results of assessments that are exclusively conducted in English, as they may not accurately reflect the student's cognitive skills or understanding of the material. Using the student's primary language allows evaluators to obtain a clearer picture of the student's capabilities, educational background, and learning challenges, thereby facilitating more accurate conclusions and appropriate educational planning. Additionally, it respects the linguistic and cultural context of the student, promoting a more equitable evaluation process. Other methods, such as focusing solely on informal assessments or evaluating based only on verbal communication, do not provide a comprehensive view of a student's abilities and may overlook critical skills demonstrated in different contexts or modalities. Restricting assessments to English also fails to account for the potential of the student in their primary language and can lead to a misleading interpretation of their skills and knowledge.