MELA-O - what is it?
How can I be trained in the MELA-O?
Why should I be trained in the MELA-O?
When are the trainings and how do I register?
Once I complete the training what happens?
Can I re-take the MELA-O test?
MELA-O - what is it?
Massachusetts English Language Assessment-Oral (MELA-O) is the assessment
that is used to evaluate the English speaking and listening skills of limited
English proficient (LEP) students. All LEP students in Massachusetts must
be administered the MELA-O by a qualified MELA-O administrator (QMA) each
year.
How can I be trained in the MELA-O?
The training to become a qualified MELA-O administrator or QMA is offered
here at the Lynch School for LSOE students in the TELL certificate program,
for the Donovan Students and other interested students. The training consists
of ten hours total: two or more training sessions totaling 8 hours and 2 hours
of practice in use of the MELA-O to assess students.
Why should I be trained in the MELA-O?
The Department of Education is required by Title III of the No Child Left
Behind Act of 2001 to collect and report the MELA-O scores for all Limited
English Proficient (LEP) students enrolled in all districts. Regular education
teachers who are QMAs are in an excellent position to assess the LEPs in their
own classrooms. In addition, districts with a high incidence of LEPs encourage
their teachers to complete this training. If you are in the TELL certificate
program it is a requirement, since it is one of the required categories of
skills and knowledge identified by the State DOE necessary for teachers to
be qualified to teach English Language Learners. Successful completion of the MELA-O is not a graduation requirement.
When are the trainings and how do I register?
In collaboration with The Massachusetts Department of Education, The Practicum
Office, Lynch School of Education and Title III Project ALL.
Audience: Training recommended by the DOE for K-12 Teachers
working with ELLs (English Language Learners)
Incentive: DOE Certificate as QMA (Qualified MELA--O Administrator)
Location: Boston College
MELA-O training dates and locations for academic year:
Saturday, November 7, 2009
12:00 - 4:00 PM
Saturday, November 21, 2009
12:00 - 4:00 PM
Campion Hall: Room TBD
Assessment of Speaking and Listening /MELA-O covers:-
Multiple dimensions of oral proficiency: comprehension, production, fluency, pronunciation, grammar and vocabulary.
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Concept of communicative competence and its role in assessment.
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The six levels of oral proficiency assessed by the MELA-O, and their relation to the four levels of English language proficiency as described in the Massachusetts English Language Proficiency Benchmarks and Outcomes.
Please note that the eight hours of training are required as well as two
hours of classroom observation of an English Language Learner.
Registration, please contact Anne Dolan at adesl@aol.com
Once I complete the training what happens?
Once you successfully complete the training and pass the MELA-O test you will receive a certificate
as a QMA. When you are hired by a public school system in Massachusetts, please
inform the DOE. Call Lydia Smith at the DOE at 781-338 –3625. This way
you will be listed on the official DOE website of QMAs by district.
Please put this information with your MELA-O certificate so you don't forget
to follow-up! And remember, you are certified even though you are not on the
website yet.
Can I re-take the MELA-O test?
Only students who have already attended the MELA-O trainings and have taken the MELA-O test can re-take the test.
Re-take Schedule
Current MELA-O Qualifying Test (Date to be determined.)
This is the new and current test used by the state. It is a demanding test that BC students have passed at a rate of 50%. Results from this test will be available from the MA DOE 60-90 days after the test.
Former MELA-O Qualifying Test (Date to be determined.)
This test is valid through January 2010 and is a version that BC students have passed at a rate of 90% or above. Results from this test will be available by June 30, 2008.
Please contact Anne Dolan at ADESL@aol.com to register to re-take the test.