Identify what is being assessed
Write the subject construct: for example, evaluating reliability, explaining a process or justifying a mathematical method. Identify when precise English or a particular response mode is itself part of that construct.
EAL co-teaching · Practice guide 04
Adapt assessment without losing the thinking
Audit carrier language, disciplinary demands and evidence before changing a question.
Separate carrier and essential language
Remove avoidable wording, split instructions and clarify layout. Retain essential terms and command verbs; teach or gloss them when appropriate. Changing “evaluate” to “name” changes the task.
Compare the versions side by side
Check every content requirement, cognitive operation, evidence demand and mark criterion. A glossary, diagram or frame must not supply the answer. Record changed supports so the resulting evidence is interpreted accurately.
Trial and moderate together
Use a classroom practice task where possible. Compare a few responses against agreed criteria, then bank the approved version with its purpose, supports and review notes. Plan rehearsal before the assessment.
Apply the correct assessment rules
These are classroom planning examples. Formal examinations and approved access arrangements follow the relevant awarding body and school rules. Alternative response modes, question changes and marks require the appropriate approval. Content/language criteria should follow the task; fixed percentage splits are not a universal EAL rule.
Worked classroom example
Humanities original: “Evaluate the reliability of Source A for investigating factory conditions, considering its provenance and corroboration.”
Clearer carrier language: “Evaluate how reliable Source A is for investigating factory conditions. Use its author, purpose and date, and compare it with Source B. Explain both its value and its limitations.”
Audit: Both versions require a judgement supported by provenance and comparison. A response frame may organise evidence, but must not name the judgement.
Maths: “Find all equal-group arrangements for 24 apples. Show how you know your list is complete.” Keep the completeness justification when simplifying the story.
Share the work
Subject teacher protects the disciplinary target and mark criteria. EAL teacher audits language and response demands. Both check that supports do not give away the reasoning and moderate the resulting work.
Evidence to look for: A learner still has to make the same judgement or explanation. Any change to the construct is labelled rather than treated as equivalent evidence.
Your working template
Draft here, then download an editable HTML copy. Drafts are saved locally in this browser when available. Use anonymised observations.
Developed from Duncan Rose’s supplied co-teaching training and programme materials (2022–2025), with newly written classroom examples. School-specific procedures and individual staff responses are excluded.