AZELLA (Arizona English Language Learner Assessment) offers specific standard accommodations to ensure English Language Learners (ELLs) can demonstrate their English proficiency accurately and fairly. These accommodations are designed to minimize the impact of factors unrelated to a student's actual language abilities during the assessment.
Standard AZELLA Testing Accommodations
The following standard accommodations are permitted for AZELLA testing:
| Accommodation | Description |
|---|---|
| Extended Time | Students may be granted additional time to complete the test. This allows for sufficient processing time and reduces pressure, ensuring that the speed of test completion does not unduly affect the assessment of language proficiency. |
| Separate Setting | Testing can occur in a different location from the main group to reduce distractions. Providing a quieter or more private environment can help students focus better on the test content, leading to a more accurate reflection of their skills. |
| Repeated Directions | Test directions may be repeated as needed for the student. This ensures that students fully comprehend the instructions for each section and task, preventing misunderstandings that could hinder their ability to respond appropriately to test items. |
| Test Reading | The test may be read aloud to the student, with the exception of the Reading section. This accommodation supports students whose listening comprehension is stronger than their reading comprehension, allowing them to access the content of the test questions. However, the Reading section specifically assesses reading skills and therefore cannot be read aloud. |
These accommodations are crucial for providing an equitable testing environment, allowing ELL students to demonstrate their true linguistic capabilities and track their progress in English language acquisition effectively.
