Drs. Margo Gottlieb and Andrea Honigsfeld, authors of "Collaborative Assessment for Multilingual Learners and Teachers," join Highest Aspirations to discuss transforming assessment practices. Moving beyond traditional methods, they advocate for a collaborative approach that centers multilingual learners and empowers educators.

This episode explores the five phases of collaborative assessment and how they integrate into the instruction cycle. Drs. Gottlieb and Honigsfeld delve into student-led conferences, practical strategies for co-reflection, and building trust within collaborative teams. Learn how to make assessment an integral part of the learning journey, fostering student ownership and honoring the voices of multilingual learners.

Key questions we address:

1. What is collaborative assessment and how does it differ from traditional assessment practices?
2. How do we collaboratively examine student learning within instructional and assessment cycles across grade levels and content areas?
3. What are some specific strategies and tools that teachers can use to implement collaborative assessment and engage multilingual learners in the process?

For additional episode and community resources:

• Download the transcript here.
• Dr. Andrea Honigsfeld and Dr. Margo Gottlieb book discussed: Collaborative Assessment for Multilingual Learners and Teachers: Pathways to Partnerships
• Companion site for book to access the resources included with your purchase.
• Language Magazine article mentioned: Collaborative Planning: Never Having to Go It Alone
• Brené Brown TED Talk: The power of vulnerability
• Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie TED Talk: The danger of a single story
• For additional free resources geared toward supporting English learners, ⁠visit our blog

Andrea Honigsfeld, EdD, is a professor at Molloy College, teaching graduate courses on cultural and linguistic diversity and TESOL methodology. Previously, she taught ESL/EFL in Hungary and New York City. She researches individualized instruction and has published extensively on multilingual learners and collaborative practices. A Fulbright Scholar, she has presented internationally and provides professional learning on content and language integration and collaborative practices. She has coauthored over 60 articles and chapters and over 30 books, including 11 national bestsellers.

Dr. Margo Gottlieb, WIDA co-founder and lead developer, has a distinguished career as a language teacher, coordinator, facilitator, and consultant. A Fulbright Senior Scholar and TESOL 50@50 honoree, she has presented internationally and authored over 100 publications, including "Assessing Multilingual Learners: Bridges to Empowerment" (3rd ed., 2024), "Classroom Assessment in Multiple Languages" (2021/2022), and "Collaborative Assessment for Multilingual Learners and Teachers" (with Andrea Honigsfeld).