North Channel, Lake Huron. Little Current, Mnidoo Mnising (Manitoulin Island), Ontario, Canada (June, 2019).
Another successful visit has been completed to Kenjgewin Teg in M’Chigeeng, located on Mnidoo Mnising (Manitoulin Island) in Ontario, Canada where we continue to refine the Dibishgaademgak Anishinaabemowin (language) assessment. In English, Dibishgaademgak Anishinaabemowin means “measuring Anishinaabemowin,” the language of the Anishinaabe.
During this visit, our focus shifted from item development to the definition of four overall domain proficiency levels. Based on these definitions, theoretical raw score cut points were established to allow placement of learners into their appropriate overall language learning level. Our team took a short break during our work week to present a three-hour workshop on our development process to language specialists from throughout Ontario province. Feedback there was extremely positive and encouraging.
Indigenous communities have it within them to establish educational assessments that reflect their own cultural values, knowledge and wisdom. The Dibishgaademgak Anishinaabemowin represents the first formally standardized language assessment project that is grounded in an Anishinaabek worldview. Herein lies the significance of our work. The Dibishgaademgak Anishinaabemowin assessment is based on an Anishinaabek learning framework and the assessment items adhere to this framework. This framework replaces the prior one grounded in the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. In addition, the Dibishgaademgak Anishinaabemowin assessment replaces the prior language assessment that was based on assessments developed by the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL).
Culturally specific assessments such as the Dibishgaademgak Anishinaabemowin are within the reach of local communities. For more information on the development of customized assessments for your educational setting, please contact us today.
© 2019 by Sul & Associates. See www.sulandassociates.com for more information.
