LAS LINKS DATA ANALYSIS

Objectives 1.Analyze the 4 sub-tests in order to understand which academic skills are being tested. 2.Use sample tests to practice analyzing data to understand where to direct instruction.

4 Components of Test Listening Speaking Reading Writing

“Speak in Words” Students are given color pictures of objects and asked –What is this? –How is it used? –In what subject do we study it? These test items are fairly straight forward and test basic vocabulary.

“Speak in Sentences” Students are given color pictures of activities and asked –What is happening in the picture? –Tell me exactly where (or how) … Students are expected to use a full sentence. This subtest tests their ability to use verbs and prepositions correctly, describe ideas, and to speak about surroundings.

“Make Conversation” Students respond to examiner’s questions concerning academic and social situations. They are asked to describe or explain something. This subtest causes problems when the student does not understand the directions. But it is a good indicator of how well the student understands what he hears.

“Tell a Story” Students are given a series of 4 pictures that depict a story. Students are required to tell a story that goes with the pictures. The story should have a beginning, a middle and an end. Proper grammar and syntax is required for a perfect score. Vocabulary of the subject matter is also required.

LISTENING SECTION This test is probably the most indicative of classroom success. In order to do well on this subtest, students have to be able to focus and understand classroom language.

“Listen for Information” Students hear instructions that are typical of those provided in the classroom. Then the examiner asks the student to choose the statement that corresponds to the instruction they just heard. Idioms are often used

“Listen in the Classroom” Students hear a story passage. Students are asked to answer questions about the passage by choosing the correct statement or picture.

“Listen and Comprehend” Students hear a passage with academic content. Students are asked to answer comprehension questions about the passage by choosing the correct statement or picture.

READING SECTION The Reading section tests decoding and word analysis skills at different levels. It also tests reading comprehension abilities, which is a good indication of school success.

Basic vs. Academic Language The Reading test begins to show the difference between Basic English and Academic English. Academic English requires a knowledge of a more sophisticated vocabulary, idioms, complicated sentence construction, syntax, etc. Academic English is necessary for school success after grade 2.

“Analyze Words” Students answer questions in a variety of formats addressing word analysis skills. –Lower grades are tested on letter identification, initial and ending sounds, vowel sounds, and rhyming –Upper grades are tested on syllabification, rhyming, understanding root words, suffixes and prefixes

“Read Words” Students are asked to read and demonstrate vocabulary knowledge in a variety of formats. –K-1 grades select the written word that matches the word spoken by the examiner. –Upper grades select the word that means the same, is opposite or best completes the sentence.

“Read for Understanding” In grades 2 – 12, students read a few passages and answer questions demonstrating: –Literal comprehension –Knowledge of literary features –Ability to interpret story

“Read for Understanding” In grades K and 1, students hear a few passages and answer picture questions demonstrating: –Literal comprehension –Ability to understand and interpret story –In addition, there are a few questions that require independent reading.

WRITING SECTION The Writing test includes sections on using correct grammar and also on actual writing. However, the criteria is different from the CMT writing, as content and organization are not graded.

“Use Conventions” This subtest is similar to the “Editing and Revising” section on the CMT. These conventions are tested: –Using appropriate grammar –Using appropriate capitalization and punctuation –Using standard sentence structure

“Use Conventions” WARNING for Kindergarten: –This portion of the test requires reading and knowledge of punctuation and correct sentence structure. –Therefore, this portion is rarely indicative of the child’s English language abilities. –Most kindergarten students can not do any of this section and their writing score is always low.

“Write About” Students write a sentence or 2 (depending on grade) describing who or what is in a picture and what is happening. A complete sentence is required.

“Write Why” Students are asked to make a choice between 2 alternatives and to write 1 or 2 sentences to explain their choice. K- 3 are given picture choices. They need to be able to give a reason to explain their choice.

“Write in Detail” Grades 2 – 3 : Students are given a 4 picture story with a beginning sentence. They need to write a story that goes with the pictures. Grades 4 – 12: Students are given a written prompt to read and respond to.

Kindergarten Scoring Kindergarten and 1 st graders can score points on writing for simply writing a letter, their name or copying from the text in the book.

Error Analysis in Writing These types of errors can be noted in all writing sections: –Incorrect word order or syntax –Awkward sentence structure –Verb tense agreement –Subject/verb agreement –Irregular verbs

–Misused articles (the/a) –Misused possessives –Misused pronouns –Misused prepositions –Misused gender

HAPPY ANALYZING !