Assessments
Comprehensive Assessment Package for Speakers of Other Languages ™
Assessment of second language learners is highly complex.
Traditional assessment techniques are frequently incongruent with
current best practices in the ESL classroom. Current trends in second language
proficiency assessment indicate the use of multiple types of assessment
to show the depth, range, and variability of a student's strengths and
capabilities in language use.
The Canadian English Academy (in consultation with other ESL
experts) has developed a set of tools to evaluate the functional and
academic English of individuals. The Comprehensive Assessment Package
for Speakers of Other Languages™ (CAPSOL™) assists people who deal
with student services (counsellors, registrars, teachers) to help evaluate
the strengths and weaknesses of a student. CAPSOL™ assists student
service personnel in evaluating a student's English language skills and
suitability to access programs.
Many institutions currently rely upon a subjective
screening of oral and written communications and consideration of third party
assessment tools, such as TOEFL scores, home country transcripts and
course/curriculum equivalencies. Often, inordinate emphasis is currently placed upon test
scores, rather than on an interactive and comprehensive assessment. The
process and methods are inherently inconsistent in terms of admissions
and generation of self-sufficient grads with functional vocational language
ability. Students with significant language challenges are able to gain
access to programming without a sufficient knowledge of the English
language.
The Comprehensive Assessment Package for Speakers of Other
Languages™ (CAPSOL™) has been designed to streamline admissions by
assessing both Basic Interpersonal Communication Skills (BICS) and
Cognitive Academic Language Proficiency (CALP). In a one-on-one setting, this
'basket' of eight different assessment tools is administered over a one
and one half hour time period. Scores and accompanying notes are usually
available within a day. The net results are increased levels of
student success as well as satisfaction for administrators and instructors.
For more information contact 780.416.8168 or e-mail
assessments@cea168.com.
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