Mima;

I am only seeing separate tests in RG studies that I hope can be helpful for you.

Best regards,

Debra

https://www.researchgate.net/search.Search.html?type=publication&query=standardized%20tests%20for%20reading%20for%20English%20and%20ELL%20students&previous=researcher

Thanks a lot, Debra! I will read that first thing tomorrow morning. 

Thank you much, Hardhvardhan. Now I have my work cut for tomorrow. :)

Hello, Mima

There's a number of so-called standardised tests, for instance, KET and  PET school versions.

Yet, it's wierd, because they do not refer to any particular standard!!! Those who tried to do so developed this K-12 model. I do not work with children, however, I came across one good portal http://www.time4learning.com/ You might find it helpful.

Thank you, Elena! Any help is highly appreciated. I'll look into that portal.

Hi Mima

I am not an sure  exactly what you are trying to do. Test the reading ability of children with EAL in English? In that case the YARC is widely used in the UK and I have used it successfully with children with Eal in England. I am sure there must be an equivalent  in the USA: if you are trying to test in the first language,this is trickier. i may however have misunderstood what you are doing.

Back in 2001-03, I used the PPVT-III* (Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test) with my preschool subjects. We were not looking specifically at native- versus non-native-English speakers; however, since this is a test of receptive vocabulary using images, it might be worth checking into. In doing one quick internet search, I did come across this study, which you might find useful: 

https://tspace.library.utoronto.ca/bitstream/1807/26430/4/Platt_Amy_E_201011_PhD_thesis.pdf

*Please note the current version is the PPVT-IV as of its release in 2006

Thank you both, Tilly and Dawn. 

We need to test both ELL students and native English speakers and be able to compare the results of the 2 tests. If they are completely different, we wouldn't be able to compare the outcome since we can't compare apples with oranges. On the other hand, we can't use the tests we give to the ELLs for the native English speakers because they were not designed for them and the state doesn't allow us to do that. 

I will look into all the suggestions, thank you much!

Dear Mima,

Please find attached some articles for your perusal.

Best Wishes

Article Predictors and Outcomes of Early vs. Later English Language ...

Article Self-Concept and Native Language Background: A Study of Meas...

Article Do decision rules matter? A descriptive study of English lan...

I recently faced the same issue of which reading test to use in order to measure and compare reading progress both for native speakers and Spanish speaking ESL students, the population at our school. After an extensive search, a language therapist and I concluded that DRA2 (Developmental Reading Assessment 2) is the only educational reading test that can serve this purpose. That is, other reading tests she is familiar with were not designed for classroom use as DRA2. Besides, DRA2 is based on solid research of what good readers do, and that is regardles of the language. Only one caution, though. Expect English Language Learners to read at lower levels for a while, in terms of vocabulary acquisition. In other words, if I want an ELL to shine while taking a DRA2, I will choose a book that is at least two or three levels below. Otherwise, vocabulary issues would make the student look like someone with literacy related difficulties when in fact the words are far beyond their current skill. I hope this helps. 

Sandra, it actually helps a lot!! Thank you so much! I'll need to find some research to back DRA2 up and present it to my PI. Your help is highly appreciated!

KET and  PET and IELTS for upper intermediate learners

Good Answer Dawn Murray