The document discusses challenges teachers face in assessing students' oral language abilities and provides guidance on how to do so effectively. It notes that teachers must make time for assessment, select appropriate activities, and determine evaluation criteria. When assessing English learners, it is important to consider a student's ability to communicate for both basic and academic purposes. The document recommends focusing assessment on a student's capacity to interpret and convey meaning in authentic interactive contexts. It provides steps for effective oral language assessment, including identifying the assessment purpose, planning, developing rubrics, and setting standards.