Guidance for the classroom-based assessment of multilingual learners

Abstract

This publication provides guidance on the classroom-based assessment of multilingual learners. It was developed under the direction of the UNESCO Regional Office in Bangkok and the UNICEF East Asia and Pacific Regional Office to support policymakers and practitioners of Member States of the Asia-Pacific region, in response to the critical need for accurate and inclusive learning assessments in multilingual contexts. Recognizing the challenges and opportunities of teaching multilingual learners in this linguistically diverse region, this publication provides resources for the development, implementation and interpretation of assessments that accurately document the skills and assets of emergent multilingual learners. The focus is on raising awareness about the capabilities of multilingual learners; enhancing knowledge regarding the importance of language choices in teaching, learning and assessment; planning systematically for the assessment of multilingual learners; and developing practical strategies for teaching and learning that enhance multilingualism and multiliteracies.