Phone: (301) Fax: (301) Executive Blvd. Rockville, MD Applying Native Language Learning Standards to Development of Assessments Creation of culturally appropriate assessments based on native language standards Dr. Jill Robbins

Chahta Anumpa Learning Standards Choctaw Language ( Chahta Anumpa) Learning Standards

Choctaw Language Learning Standards Standard 1: Communication : Interpretive Communication : Listening/ Reading/Viewing Standard 2: Communication: Interpersonal Communication : Speaking/Writing Standard 3 : Communication: Presentational : Speaking/Writing Standard 4: Culture : Gain Knowledge and Understanding of Choctaw Culture Standard 5: Connections : Transfer and Apply Choctaw Knowledge to Other Disciplines of Learning Standard 6: Comparisons : Develop Insight into the Nature of Language and Culture Standard 7: Communities : Participate in Bilingual Communities at Home and Around the World

Which Standards Can be Tested? What can be observed in the testing context ? Compare: 1CLL-N.2. Respond to simple commands, familiar vocabulary, and language structures. 7CC-P.6 Take part in language-related activities to benefit the school and/or community such as tutoring, interpreting, public performance, or publishing an article or story.

Which of these standards would you test? How? 2CLL-I.5. Use cultural terms in oral and written communications. 3CLL-P.5 Orally create and dramatize a short skit with peers. 6CLL-N.1 Make basic comparisons between the celebrations in the Choctaw communities and those of other cultures (e.g., Spring Festival and May Day)

Choctaw Language Learning Standard 2

Choctaw Language Learning Standard 2 – Sample Task Katimmák ish achokmahnih? “Taposhshik ikbikat amachokmah.”

Miccosukee Language Revitalization Initial standards development by Tribal representatives & educators at Miccosukee Indian School (located in the Everglades, Florida) SLTI worked on: –Revision of Standards –Standards-based Assessments –Curriculum Maps Aligned to Standards

Interpretation of Content Standards as the Basis for Curricular Activities Examples of standards and corresponding Curriculum Maps for 2 areas: –Speaking & Listening Receptive Language Expressive Language –Culture Studies Comparison of past & present (higher-level thinking/speaking task)

Speaking & Listening (1 st Grade) Content Standards. 1.1The student will continue to demonstrate growth in the understanding and use of oral language a)The student can identify, say, segment, and blend various units of speech sounds (multiple syllable words) b)The student can identify common root or base words of various Miccosukee words c)The student will be able to focus on the meaning and key details of a simple oral Miccosukee story d)The student will be able to determine the sequence of events in a simple Miccosukee story e)The student will understand an increased number of words, phrases and simple sentences and questions f)The student can comprehend short conversations on simple topics g)The student will demonstrate understanding of multi-step oral directions

Sample Tasks – First Grade Assessment (1.1.g) Pick up the red stick and put it on the circle. Put two blue sticks inside the square. (1.1.g) Pick up the red stick and put it on the circle. Put two blue sticks inside the square.

1.1.c Understand a Story/ Tell a Sequence of Events Standards: The student will be able to use key vocabulary terms correctly in simple sentence form The student will be able to determine the sequence of events in a simple Miccosukee story Look at the three pictures. Tell me what is happening in this picture. Look at the three pictures. Tell me what is happening in this picture. Now tell me what is happening in this picture. Now tell me what is happening in the last picture.

Sample Tasks – First Grade Assessment ?”. What is this?

Miccosukee Studies (4th Grade) Content Standards Arts and Recreation 4.2The student understands that there are various arts and recreation elements of the Miccosukee culture both past and present a)The student will be able to describe two or more of the traditional Miccosukee arts or recreational activities and their importance to the culture b)The student will be able to learn the name for as well as the basic steps for preparing a culturally significant food/dish.

Assessing Culture Standards The student will be able to compare and contrast aspects of village life today to the early 1900’s What do you see in Picture 1? What do you see in Picture 2? How are these things important to the Miccosukee culture today? Why are they important today? How is picture 1 like picture 2? What else do pictures 1 and 2 have in common?

Questions on Testing Questions on Native Language Assessments or Standards development?

Cultural Activities Encourage Language Retention & Tribal Identity: Where will Native Langauges be in 20 years?

References: Choctaw Language Official Choctaw Of MS Site: Information on the Choctaw Writing System: Statistics on Choctaw Language: General Information:

References: Miccosukee Language (Elaponke) Official Miccosukee Tribe Site: Information on the Choctaw Writing System: Statistics on Miccosukee Language: General Information:

Second Language Testing, Inc.