Outlines the need to create a comprehensive assessment plan for charter schools, where English Language Learners (ELLs) are traditionally underestimated, in order to achieve the goals for continued success under the No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Act. Chapter one provides an overview of the assessment process, complete with an explanation of the four assessment types, a sample assessment, accompanying calendar, sample language proficiency tests, and resources to identify ELL special needs to include the gifted and the talented. Chapter two discusses the implications of NCLB for ELLs and offers specific information pertaining to: Title I requirements for teachers, paraprofessionals, and charter schools, Title III requirements, and, other significant ELL provisions such as parental involvement, time limitations, native language instruction, and accountability. Chapter three focuses on the primary aim of the assessment process: informing teachers in order to improve the overall quality of instruction. Examples of goals and standards, checklists and testing accommodation options, and reporting assessment tools are provided to assist in program development. Chapter four reveals ways to quantitatively capture informal classroom-based assessment for structured, unstructured, and portfolio assessment methods. Chapter five presents a five-step plan to implement a school-wide assessment program in order to identify the needs of all learners and track the improvement data for ELLs. Six appendices provide a glossary, frequently asked questions, bilingual language resources, NCLB assessment administration requirements, professional development scenarios, and web resources. This report is one of three guidebooks in this series on educating the growing ELL population. CONTENTS Preface Introduction Chapter One: Overview of Assessment Chapter Two: The No Child Left Behind Act and Its Implications for English Language Learners Chapter Three: Accommodation Issues and Linking Assessment to Instruction Chapter Four: Informal Classroom-Based Assessment Chapter Five: Putting it All Together: A Comprehensive Assessment Plan Endnotes Appendix A: Glossary Appendix B: Frequently Asked Questions About ELLs Appendix C: Bilingual Educational Resources Appendix D: NCLB Assessment Administration Requirements Appendix E: Scenarios for Professional Development Appendix F: Web Resources