TExES Exam TExES (ESL 154) 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A teacher notices an ELL student frequently code-switches during classroom discussions. What is the most appropriate response?
- Correct the student immediately and require English-only responses
- Recognize code-switching as a sign of linguistic competence and use it as a bridge to English (Correct answer)
- Ignore the behavior as it will naturally disappear over time
- Contact parents to ensure only English is spoken at home
Correct answer: Recognize code-switching as a sign of linguistic competence and use it as a bridge to English
Code-switching reflects bilingual proficiency and can be leveraged as a scaffold to strengthen English acquisition.
Question 2: According to Krashen's Input Hypothesis, language acquisition is most effective when input is at which level?
- Below the learner's current proficiency level
- Exactly at the learner's current proficiency level
- Slightly above the learner's current proficiency level (i+1) (Correct answer)
- Far above the learner's current proficiency level
Correct answer: Slightly above the learner's current proficiency level (i+1)
Krashen's i+1 principle states comprehensible input just beyond current ability drives acquisition.
Question 3: Which assessment approach is most appropriate for evaluating an ELL student's content knowledge while minimizing language barriers?
- Standard timed written exams with no accommodations
- Performance-based and portfolio assessments with visual supports (Correct answer)
- Oral assessments conducted exclusively in English
- Standardized norm-referenced tests designed for native speakers
Correct answer: Performance-based and portfolio assessments with visual supports
Performance-based assessments with visual supports allow ELLs to demonstrate content knowledge without language proficiency masking their understanding.
Question 4: A student at the Intermediate ESL proficiency level would most likely demonstrate which characteristic?
- One-word or simple phrase responses only
- Expanding vocabulary with occasional grammar errors in complex sentences (Correct answer)
- Native-like fluency with only subtle accent differences
- No productive language output at all
Correct answer: Expanding vocabulary with occasional grammar errors in complex sentences
Intermediate ELLs typically produce expanded sentences but still make grammatical errors, especially with complex structures.
Question 5: Which federal law requires public schools to identify, assess, and serve English Language Learners?
- IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act)
- Title III of the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) (Correct answer)
- Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act
- Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)
Correct answer: Title III of the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA)
Title III of ESSA provides funding and mandates for ELL identification, assessment, and language instruction programs.
Question 6: When designing sheltered instruction for ELLs, a teacher should prioritize which practice?
- Using complex academic vocabulary without visual support to push language growth
- Lowering content standards so ELLs can experience success
- Providing grade-level content with scaffolded language support (Correct answer)
- Separating ELLs from mainstream students for all instruction
Correct answer: Providing grade-level content with scaffolded language support
Sheltered instruction maintains grade-level content expectations while providing language scaffolds to make it accessible.
Question 7: A newly arrived ELL student is in the 'silent period.' The most appropriate teacher response is to:
- Require the student to speak in order to assess language skills
- Allow the student time to absorb language without forcing production (Correct answer)
- Refer the student for a speech-language evaluation
- Place the student in a lower grade level temporarily
Correct answer: Allow the student time to absorb language without forcing production
The silent period is a normal stage of language acquisition during which learners process input before producing output.
TExES Exam TExES (ESL 154) 2
A teacher notices an ELL student frequently code-switches during classroom discussions.
What is the most appropriate response?