Category+3

= Resources for Category 3 Training =

**Category 3: Assessment of Speaking and Listening (MELA-O)**

The MELA-O assesses the listening and speaking skills identified in the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education’s //English Language Proficiency Benchmarks and Outcomes for English Language Learners// (ELPBO).
 * Standards and Skills Assessed by MELA-O **

The MELA-O is conducted during the prescribed administration period by educators who have been trained and qualified either by a qualified MELA-O trainer (QMT) or by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. Only QMTs and QMAs are eligible to administer the MELA-O and to rate LEP students using the MELA-O Scoring Matrix as part of the statewide MEPA. A QMT or QMA may be the classroom teacher of the LEP student being assessed, though this is not a requirement.
 * MELA-O Administration and Scoring **

MELA-O is conducted by a QMT or QMA who observes an LEP student performing academic tasks and participating in routine social interactions with other students and the teacher.

MELA-O uses a 6-point scale (i.e., 0-5 points) to assess each student’s speaking (production) and listening (comprehension) proficiency, assigning separate scores in each of the following areas: · Comprehension · Production, which is subdivided into four sub-domains: o Fluency o Vocabulary o Pronunciation o Grammar

Participants will:
 * become familiar with the components of language, how language is learned and English proficiency attained by students who are English learners;
 * understand the rationale for using __new__ student video samples and training materials to train and qualify QMAs and QMTs
 * become familiar with and use the MELA-O Scoring Matrix to rate students shown in the MELA-O Training Video, to pass the MELA-O Qualification Test, and subsequently, to be able to accurately rate LEP students on the MELA-O.

Training Materials: Online Student Video's, MELA-O practice guide: Thanks Sue Cusack, Lesley University http://connect.mybps.org/groups/englishlanguagelearners/weblog/355e4/

QMT Training Manual: http://www.doemass.org/mcas/mepa/testadmin/qmt_manual.pdf