Tests for ESL students
Should ESL students be able to take tests in their language?
In my opinion, I think ESL students should be able to take tests in their first language. It will be more beneficial, more convenient, and fair to these students. Here are my reasons why...
Tests are supposed to measure knowledge not English ability.
If standardized testing is supposed to measure the amount of knowledge that you have then you should be allowed to be comfortable with taking a test in their first language. It is not fair to the kids that are in the process of learning a new language while the other kids have grown up using English.
Taking tests using a language that you don't know will make you stressed.
Taking tests can already be stressful, but imagine if you are taking a test in a language that you don't know very well. It will make you nervous and more stressed out than usual. Stress is your body's response to any emotional, physical, or mental demand on top of it. It wouldn't be very beneficial to have double the stress on an exam day.
Kids who are in ESL are young, so it's hard to master a language.
To master a language it takes about 3 years. Most kids do not have the full 3 years before they take a huge test, which means that they are very unprepared before they have to get graded on a exam which could effect their grade tremendously. Also, depending on the age that you are trying to learn English it could be harder for you to remember or it could be just difficult in general to adapt to a new language.
In conclusion, ESL students have a harder time trying to keep up with their schoolwork and passing their exams. With that being said, these students should be able to feel comfortable and not have to stress on any exams that they have to take. Most children will not be able to master any language at such a young age, so it is unfair to them to have to take a test that could effect their grade tremendously. Therefore, I think that ESL students should at least get to take a test in the most comfortable language for them so it is more beneficial for them and fair among all students.
Sources
"Should State Tests Be given in Other Languages for ESL Students?"Should State Tests Be given in Other Languages for ESL Students? Web. 9 Dec. 2015. <http://www.debate.org/opinions/should-state-tests-be-given-in-other-languages-for-esl-students>
"Should State Test Be given in Other Languages for ESL Students?"Neverbloggedeverwordpresscom. 29 Mar. 2012. Web. 9 Dec. 2015. <https://neverbloggedever.wordpress.com/2012/03/29/should-state-test-be-given-in-other-languages-for-esl-students/>.
"ESL Students and State Standardized Testing." The Educators Room. 11 Mar. 2013. Web. 9 Dec. 2015. <http://theeducatorsroom.com/2013/03/esl-students-and-state-testing/>.