Using ACTFL Assessments to Achieve Global California 2030

California is embracing the challenge of preparing its students to thrive in a globalized society through the Global California 2030 initiative. This ambitious mission “is to equip students with world language skills to better appreciate and more fully engage with the rich and diverse mixture of cultures, heritages, and languages found in California and the world, while also preparing them to succeed in the global economy.” (California Department of Education) At the forefront of this endeavor are ACTFL assessments, serving as indispensable tools to measure and enhance language proficiency across educational programs. In this article, we explore how programs can align with the mission of Global California 2030 by leveraging ACTFL assessments to foster linguistic excellence and cultural competence.

Understanding Global California 2030

At its core, Global California 2030 seeks to cultivate a multilingual and culturally competent workforce capable of competing and collaborating on the global stage. It envisions a future where every student has access to high-quality language programs that prepare them to navigate diverse cultural contexts and contribute meaningfully to society.

Integrating ACTFL Assessments Across Programs

To fulfill the objectives of Global California 2030, educational programs are advised to integrate language assessments as a central component of their curricular and evaluation practices. Whether for dual language immersion (DLI) programs, the awarding of the Seal of Biliteracy, Career Technical Education (CTE), or teacher credentialing, ACTFL language proficiency assessments provide a standardized framework for assessing language proficiency.

DLI Programs

DLI programs play a pivotal role in realizing the goals of the Global California 2030 Initiative. By providing students with opportunities for intensive language immersion from an early age, these programs nurture bilingualism and biliteracy, essential skills in today’s globalized world. The ACTFL Assessment of Performance toward Proficiency in Languages (AAPPL) offers a consistent means of measuring students’ performance toward proficiency, thus guiding instructional practices and ensuring program effectiveness.

Seal of Biliteracy

The Seal of Biliteracy is a prestigious recognition awarded to graduating high school students demonstrating proficiency in two or more languages. ACTFL assessments, such as the AAPPL, the OPI, and the WPT are widely accepted in California to qualify students for the Seal.

ACTFL assessments are recognized both nationally and internationally, enhancing the credibility and portability of the Seal of Biliteracy credential. Moreover, ACTFL assessments empower students to showcase their language abilities with confidence, opening doors to higher education, employment opportunities, and global experiences.

Career and Technical Education (CTE)

Proficiency in languages other than English is a valuable asset across diverse industries. CTE programs play a vital role in preparing students for careers in fields such as healthcare, criminal justice, and hospitality, where multilingualism is in high demand. ACTFL assessments enable educators to evaluate students’ language proficiency regardless of how they acquired their language skills, ensuring that graduates possess the necessary credential to demonstrate their proficiency and excel in today’s workforce.

World Language Teacher Credentialing

Effective language instruction requires highly skilled educators equipped with pedagogical knowledge and linguistic proficiency to meet the needs of diverse learners. As part of the Global California 2030 Initiative, teacher credentialing programs are encouraged to integrate ACTFL assessments to ensure that prospective educators possess the requisite language proficiency to teach effectively in multilingual settings. By establishing proficiency benchmarks aligned with ACTFL Proficiency Guidelines, credentialing programs can uphold the quality and consistency of language instruction across the state.

Benefits of Testing with ACTFL Assessments

Gold Standard in Language Assessments

ACTFL assessments are exclusively developed by ACTFL and rated by ACTFL-certified raters. This ensures that the tests are designed to align with ACTFL’s Proficiency Guidelines – 2024 and reflect current best practices in language assessment.

Additionally, ACTFL assessments are the only tests that report scores on the ACTFL scale—a globally recognized standard—unlike other assessments that approximate their scores to the ACTFL scale.

Data-Informed Decisions

At its core, Global California 2030 seeks to empower administrators to make data-informed decisions about curriculum development, teacher training, and program implementation. ACTFL assessments provide administrators with accurate and reliable data on students’ progress toward proficiency.

Measuring Proficiency Growth Over Time

With ACTFL assessments, educators can make informed decisions about their program’s efficacy. By tracking students’ progress, educators can identify areas of strength and areas that require additional support. This approach to assessment allows tracking of student development within language programs.

Course Placement

ACTFL assessments can be used to accurately place students in appropriate level courses. By aligning language instruction with students’ proficiency levels, educators can optimize learning outcomes and promote meaningful engagement.

Conclusion

The vision of Global California 2030 represents a bold commitment to preparing students for success in an increasingly interconnected world. Through standardized assessment practices and rigorous proficiency standards, educational programs can ensure that students graduate with the linguistic skills and cultural awareness necessary to thrive in diverse linguistic and cultural contexts. Programs that leverage ACTFL assessments are paving the way for a more globally competent workforce.