What method should the first-year teacher use to effectively demonstrate the growth of her English language learners over time?

Using portfolios to track and document progress is an effective method for demonstrating the growth of English language learners over time because they provide a comprehensive and individualized approach to assessing student development. Portfolios allow teachers to collect a variety of student work, including writing samples, projects, and assessments, showcasing a learner's progress across different areas of language acquisition.

This method not only captures the students' achievements over an extended period but also allows for reflection on their learning process. By curating a portfolio, the teacher can highlight specific instances of improvement in language skills, such as increased vocabulary usage, grammar accuracy, and reading comprehension. Additionally, portfolios can include self-assessments from the students, giving them an opportunity to reflect on their learning journey and set future goals.

In contrast, other assessment methods may not provide a complete picture of a student's growth. Standardized testing often evaluates students based on a one-time performance and may not accurately reflect ongoing development or individual progress. Weekly quizzes can assess comprehension in the short term but may not capture broader language skills over time. Occasional classroom observations can provide insight into student engagement and interaction but lack the depth and comprehensive overview that a portfolio offers.