In a rapidly evolving world, staying ahead of the curve in education and assessment is crucial. As trusted partners in language proficiency testing, ACTFL and Language Testing International® (LTI) have continuously innovated to meet the needs of learners, educators, and employers alike. Our commitment to leveraging cutting-edge technology, coupled with extensive research, underscores how we are leading the way in language testing.
Machine Scoring: Breaking New Ground in Language Testing
One of ACTFL and LTI’s most exciting recent innovations is the introduction of machine scoring for non-English written submissions. In 2023, ACTFL and LTI implemented a machine scoring system for AAPPL Spanish Presentational Writing (PW) tests, which is used in conjunction with ACTFL-certified human raters to score all Spanish PW submissions. This integration of machine scoring alongside human raters means that every Spanish PW test now receives a machine score combined with a score provided by at least one certified human rater to provide a final score.
The machine scoring system, similar to the human raters, assesses the AAPPL PW responses based on several parameters, as described in the ACTFL Performance Descriptors, including functions (global tasks the learner can perform in the language), context/content (situations and topics the learner can comprehend and discuss), text type (comprehension and production capabilities for performing functions), and comprehensibility (accuracy and vocabulary use).
LTI’s machine scoring system is a culmination of nearly ten years of dedicated research and development and has undergone rigorous training using rating data from ACTFL-certified AAPPL raters. Extensive research, conducted by Dr. Erik Voss of Teachers College Columbia University, has validated the accuracy of machine scoring compared to human raters over multiple years of administration.
LTI and ACTFL are proud to be on the forefront of research in machine scoring of non-English submissions, demonstrating our unwavering commitment to the future of language assessment.
Accessibility and Inclusivity: Meeting Rigorous Standards
Accessibility is of utmost importance to LTI. The AAPPL and ALIRA testing platforms comply with the stringent requirements of ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) and WCAG 2.0 AA (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines). This ensures that the assessments are accessible to all learners, including those with disabilities, without compromising the quality and validity of the tests.
Read more: Turning Obstacles into Opportunity
Additionally, LTI follows stringent protocols to ensure learners are protected according to federal requirements. We don’t just claim compliance. We ensure that our stringent adherence to requirements is certified and well-documented!
In 2022, both the AAPPL and ALIRA test portals and websites were awarded PRIVO’s COPPA Safe Harbor Seal for meeting the highest standards for protecting children’s privacy online. Read more here.
With the COPPA certification and ADA compliance, we’re not just providing tools for measuring language proficiency—we’re setting an industry standard for security and inclusivity.
Engaging the Next Generation: Tailored for Modern Learners
Understanding the needs of today’s learners is key to delivering effective language assessments. Gen Y and Gen Z learners are tech-savvy, purposeful, and crave instant feedback and gratification. LTI’s digital platforms cater directly to this by offering easy and convenient test delivery. ACTFL assessments can be taken from anywhere, at any time, making language certification more accessible than ever before.
Learners in secondary education who take the AAPPL receive tangible benefits of taking the test, from score reports and suggestions for further learning to an official AAPPL certificate and ACTFL score, which they can leverage in post-secondary education and share with potential employers.
Read more: Beyond Grades: How the Seal of Biliteracy Speaks Gen Z’s Language
But it’s not just about convenience. We also know that today’s learners want recognition for their accomplishments. To this end, official ACTFL proficiency-based assessments come with digital badges through Credly. These digital badges can be shared on social media, digital portfolios, and professional networks like LinkedIn, giving learners tangible, shareable proof of their language skills.
The Power of an Official Certification
In today’s increasingly globalized job market, multilingualism is more than just a skill—it’s a competitive edge. Businesses in multilingual industries, especially those operating internationally, are looking for candidates with verified language proficiency. Official ACTFL language certificates offer exactly that.
Delivered through LTI, ACTFL assessments provide official, globally recognized credentials that align with the ACTFL Proficiency Guidelines – 2024, as well as international frameworks like the CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages) and the US Government ILR (Interagency Language Roundtable) scale. Furthermore, only ACTFL assessments report scores on the ACTFL Proficiency Guidelines and provide official ACTFL ratings. No other test on the market can do that!
ACTFL certifications in a world language are more than just a badge of honor—they serve as official proof of a learner’s ability to communicate effectively in professional and personal settings, available only from ACTFL.
Preferred Choice for Research in Language Education
ACTFL assessments have long been the preferred choice to use for research in language education, trusted by academics and researchers for their reliability, validity, and academic standing. These assessments are widely used to conduct cutting-edge studies on language development and pedagogy, with results frequently appearing in peer-reviewed journals and top-tier academic publications. What sets ACTFL assessments apart is their external validation and rigorous review by psychometricians, ensuring that the tests are free from internal bias and maintain the highest standards of accuracy and fairness.
Because of this, ACTFL assessments are not only tools for evaluating language proficiency but also crucial instruments for advancing the field of language education. By consistently being used in research, ACTFL tests contribute to the most current understanding of how language skills are learned and developed. This strong foundation in research solidifies ACTFL and LTI’s position at the forefront of language assessment, further reinforcing their leadership in the field.
LTI’s Commitment to the Future of Language Learning
At LTI, we’re not content with merely keeping pace—we’re leading the way in language test administration. By using cutting-edge technology, we continue to refine our offerings to meet the needs of learners, educators, and employers.
When it comes to language certification, LTI is ahead of the competition, offering assessment tools that are not only up-to-date and research-based but forward-thinking. Our commitment to innovation ensures that today’s learners—especially Gen Z—can demonstrate their language proficiency in ways that are meaningful, shareable, and impactful. That’s why we stand confidently as the leader in language test administrations.
Conclusion
Whether it’s through machine-scoring innovations, accessible platforms, regularly updated content by ACTFL, or globally recognized digital credentials, we ensure that ACTFL language proficiency assessments, delivered exclusively by LTI, are modern, accessible, and reliable.
To start testing with ACTFL language proficiency assessments, contact us today.
