SOLOM

Student Oral Language

Observation Matrix

What is the MN-SOLOM?

• It is not a test – it is a rating scale

that assesses students’ command of

oral language (listening and

speaking) on the basis of what the

teacher observes in a variety of

situations (class discussions,

interviews, playground interactions,

encounters between classes).

How does the MN-SOLOM work?

• The teacher matches a student’s language

performance in 6 categories:

– Academic comprehension

– Social comprehension

– Fluency

– Vocabulary

– Pronunciation

– Grammar

• Matches oral language performance to

descriptions on a 5-point scale

• Describes a range of oral language

proficiency from non-proficient to fluent

• Scores represent whether a student can

participate in oral language tasks typically

expected in classrooms at his/her grade

level.

Who takes the MN-SOLOM?

• All current K-12 English language learners

• All exited ELL students who have exited

this year

How is the MN-SOLOM given?

Three options for rating the student:

1. The teacher takes time to reflect on the

language skills of the particular student and

thoughtfully applies the rubric. The student

need not be present.

2. The ESL or classroom teacher has a formal

interview with the student using the optional

interview protocol.

3. One teacher completes the matrix with

added input from another teacher.

How is the MN-SOLOM scored?

• Teachers familiar with the MN-SOLOM

observation matrix will assign a numeric

score 1-5 to each of the 6 categories for

each student rated:– Academic comprehension

– Social comprehension

– Fluency

– Vocabulary

– Pronunciation

– Grammar

Scoring

• Scores in 6 categories are totaled and oral

language proficiency levels are

determined.

* If score falls between 2 consecutive

numbers (2.5) bring the score down (2)

Oral language proficiency levels

Level 1 – is a student with little English oral

skills; a newcomer; a beginner

Level 2 – is a student that has early

intermediate oral language skills

Level 3 – is a student with intermediate language

oral language skills

Oral language proficiency levels

Level 4 – early advanced language student

Level 5 – advanced language student

* Levels 4 & 5 approximate the oral

language skills of a native English

speaker

Take a moment to review MN-

SOLOM Matrix

What’s the purpose of the

MN-SOLOM?

• Used to report student’s annual progress

• To group and regroup students for ESL

• To guide/refine instructional methods and

materials

• Used in program evaluation

• Part of the exiting criteria from alternative

instructional programs

• Used for Title III district evaluation

Who administers the MN-SOLOM?

Must be a licensed teacher

Be a fluent English speaker (scored at a

level 4 or above in all categories)

Be familiar with the student to be rated

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