ACTFL Latin Interpretive Reading Assessment® (ALIRA)

Please note that ACTFL and LTI are continuing to offer multiple options for proctoring the ALIRA both in and out of school. Please visit our Out of School Testing Page for detailed information on the options for administering the test outside of school. For in school testing, please review the information and resources below.

What is the ACTFL Latin Interpretive Reading Assessment (ALIRA)?
What is the format of the ALIRA?
What kinds of text does ALIRA use?
What kind of score does the ALIRA provide?
How do I order, administer, and retrieve test results for the ALIRA?
What technology is required to administer the ALIRA?
What is the cost of the ALIRA?

What is the ACTFL Latin Interpretive Reading Assessment (ALIRA)?

The ACTFL Latin Interpretive Reading Assessment (ALIRA) is a computer-adaptive assessment of Latin students' ability to read for comprehension a variety of Latin-language texts that typify those used in an instructional setting. ALIRA is rated according to the ACTFL Performance Descriptors for Language Learners. To view the ACTFL Performance Descriptors for Language Learners, click here. The assessment is designed for students learning Latin in middle school through high school.

What is the format of the ALIRA?

The ALIRA presents a wide variety of texts including shorter and longer texts from ancient Rome, texts from today's Latin-users' community, and may include Wikipedia, social networks, and online newspapers and publications. The texts appear in block letter without macrons.

One or two multiple-choice questions accompany each Latin text and assess understanding of main ideas, supporting details, point-of-view, inferences, or text purpose. The test is adaptive in nature and will present learners with a series of reading passages that will vary based on the reading ability that they demonstrate through their answers to the passages within the test. In other words, since the test is machine-scored, test-takers’ correct and incorrect responses as they work through the test determine the sequence in which subsequent reading passages are presented to them by the system.

ALIRA must be completed within 50 minutes, as it is designed to be given in a single class period. There is a 50-minute countdown clock for the overall test. Additionally, test-takers should know that the amount of time allotted for them to read each text and respond to the corresponding multiple-choice question will vary. The maximum amount of time for any single reading text is five minutes, but many texts will be shorter. The screen will display a timer to show them the time remaining for each passage as they advance through the test.

If a student has a documented need that makes them eligible for a time extension, please review our accommodations page and submit your accommodation request at least 10 business days before your desired testing date.

What does the ALIRA look like?

To experience the look and feel of the ALIRA, try out the ALIRA demo here.

What kind of score does the ALIRA provide?

The ALIRA provides an ACTFL Performance Score. There are four gradations at the Novice level and five gradations at the Intermediate level. ALIRA Scores are N1, N2, N3, N4, I1, I2, I3, I4, I5, and A-1. Test takers receive an individual ALIRA report that shows the score and provides a brief narrative explaining it. To see an example of an ALIRA Score Report, click here.

How do I order, administer, and retrieve test results for the ALIRA?

Each school/district is provided with access to LTI's Client Site. To request access, please complete the inquiry form available here. Through the Client Site you will be able to order tests using either an Excel or Google Sheets template, retrieve ratings, print certificates, and export data. Upon retrieving results you will be able to sort results by school, teacher, and/or class. For full details on ordering and administering the ALIRA, please review the resources available on the Client Site home screen and ALIRA ordering page when logged into the site.

To take the ALIRA, all that is needed is a computer or tablet that meets the minimum specifications, detailed here, in an appropriate test environment. Review the detailed ALIRA Testing & Proctoring Guide (found on the Client Site) for more details. Results of assessments are posted and stored on the LTI Client Site, allowing schools to track their testing activity easily in a single location.

What technology is required to administer the ALIRA?

The ALIRA must be administered in a proctored setting and is designed to use a computer or tablet, connected to the internet. For more specific technical specifications and to run the System Check before your learners begin testing, please see the ALIRA section on our Technical Requirements page.

What is the cost of the ALIRA?

Academic institutions are offered the ALIRA for $10 per student per test.

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