Which approach best allows ELLs to demonstrate learning in science?

• A. Demonstration, oral, and performance
• B. Written tests only
• C. Timed quizzes
• D. Use multiple assessment measures, including demonstration, oral, and performance

Answer: (D)

For ELLs, capturing what students know in science means inviting evidence from several ways that match how they communicate and learn. Using multiple assessment measures, including demonstration, oral, and performance, is best because it lets students show understanding through hands-on work, spoken explanations, and real tasks—not just what they can write or memorize. This approach supports language development in meaningful science contexts and gives a fuller picture of learning, accommodating different strengths and language levels.

Relying only on written tests limits what can be shown, since language barriers can hide true understanding. Timed quizzes emphasize speed over depth and may not reflect growth or the ability to apply concepts. Offering a fixed set of methods without flexibility misses opportunities for students to demonstrate knowledge in other valuable ways, so a broader mix of evidence is most effective.