Which term refers to the practice of making accommodations for ELLs in classroom assessments?

The term that accurately describes the practice of making accommodations for English Language Learners (ELLs) in classroom assessments is differentiation. Differentiation involves tailoring instruction and assessments to meet the diverse needs of students, including those learning English. This approach ensures that all students have equitable access to the content and can demonstrate their understanding effectively, regardless of their language proficiency.

Differentiation can include various strategies, such as providing additional time, using visuals and hands-on activities, or modifying language complexity without altering the instructional objectives. It focuses on recognizing individual learner differences and adapting teaching methods accordingly.

In contrast to this, while modification refers to changing the content or expectations of the assessment itself for ELLs, differentiation emphasizes the variety of instructional and assessment strategies applied to ensure all learners can succeed. Adaptation generally involves adjustments made in a more general sense, while assessment fairness speaks to the broader principle of ensuring assessments are equitable for all students. Thus, differentiation specifically encompasses the nuanced approaches taken to support ELLs within the framework of assessments.