How can Mrs. Davis effectively assess writing proficiency across varying ELLs in her class?

Employing a shared journal for communication is an effective method for assessing writing proficiency among English Language Learners (ELLs) because it fosters a collaborative environment where students can express their thoughts, creativity, and language skills in a less formal setting. Shared journals allow students to engage in written dialogue, which can help them practice language skills in a meaningful way. This method provides ongoing insight into a student's writing development, vocabulary use, and ability to construct sentences, as well as their growing confidence in writing in English.

Furthermore, shared journals create opportunities for teachers to monitor progress over time, as they can review students' entries and respond to them. This continuous interaction encourages students to develop their writing skills at their own pace while receiving personalized feedback. In contrast to more rigid assessment formats, such as standardized tests, this approach is flexible and can cater to the different writing levels and language abilities present among ELLs, making it a holistic way to assess writing proficiency.