Dismantling Misconceptions About ELLs: Rethinking Assessment with Andrea Honigsfeld & Margo Gottlieb

n this thought-provoking episode of the Equipping ELLs Podcast, host Beth Vaucher engages in a powerful discussion with two educational leaders, Dr. Andrea Honigsfeld and Dr. Margo Gottlieb, on transforming how we assess multilingual learners. This conversation is part of a series aimed at dismantling misconceptions and empowering educators with strategies to create more inclusive classrooms.

Andrea Honigsfeld, a renowned TESOL professor, and Margo Gottlieb, co-founder of WIDA, bring decades of experience to the table. Their recent book, Collaborative Assessment: Pathways to Partnerships for Multilingual Learners, offers practical strategies to replace traditional, rigid assessments with collaborative, dynamic approaches that center on student growth.

Why Collaborative Assessment?

Traditional assessments often label multilingual learners through a narrow lens, relying heavily on standardized tests. While these tests have their place, they fail to capture the full picture of a student’s abilities. Andrea emphasizes, “Assessment should not be done to students but with them.” This shift acknowledges the voices, choices, and assets of students, creating a richer and more accurate understanding of their learning journeys.

Key Strategies for Educators

Student-Centered Reflection: Margo highlights the importance of integrating assessments into everyday learning. By involving students in reflecting on their growth, teachers foster agency and motivation. Questions like “What advice would you give your teacher to help you better?” empower students to take ownership of their learning.
Asset-Based Mindset: Instead of focusing on what multilingual learners lack, Andrea and Margo advocate for identifying and building upon their strengths. A case study from their book shows how celebrating students’ progress—not just fluency—transforms the classroom dynamic.
Collaboration Among Educators: Teachers often feel isolated in navigating multilingual education. The guests stress the need for systemic support and collaboration among educators to co-plan, analyze student data, and implement meaningful next steps.

Impact Stories

Andrea and Margo share inspiring examples from their book, such as a teacher in an international school who uses creative prompts to explore how students leverage their languages. These real-world case studies demonstrate the power of assessment as a partnership between teachers, students, and peers.

Takeaway for Schools and Educators

The episode closes with a challenge to rethink assessment as part of a continuous, collaborative cycle. Whether you’re an administrator or a classroom teacher, starting small—with one team or one class—can lead to significant change.

Call to Action

Ready to transform your approach to multilingual education? Order Collaborative Assessment: Pathways to Partnerships for Multilingual Learners and start implementing these strategies today. Together, we can create classrooms that celebrate every student’s journey.

Resources:

Collaborative Assessment for Multilingual Learners and Teachers
Check out Dr. Andrea Honigsfeld’s Work
Check out Dr. Margo Gottlieb’s Work
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More about Equipping ELLs:

We all know that teaching isn’t easy, but it doesn’t have to be this hard. Equipping ELLs is a podcast for both ESL specialists and homeroom teachers who are looking for effective and engaging ways to support their English Language Learners without adding to their endless to-do list. Tune in each week to hear tips, strategies, and inspirational stories that will empower you to better reach your ELL students, equip them with life-long skills, and strengthen relationships with colleagues and parents.

Your host, Beth Vaucher, is the founder of Inspiring Young Learners. She is an ESL certified homeroom teacher with over 10 years of experience teaching in the US and internationally. Her background of M.Ed in ESL and Curriculum and Instruction combined with her experience has led her to develop a bestselling newcomer curriculum that has sold in over 90 countries around the globe. She brings a different perspective to teaching ELLs from her years teaching and living abroad and working with ELLs from around the world. You will walk away from each episode with the ideas and tools you need to transform your experience as a teacher and cultivate a thriving and welcoming environment for your ELL students.

Beth

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