Benchmarking Language Outcomes with the AAPPL at a Dual Language Immersion Program in Utah

Alpine School District, Utah’s largest with over 85,000 students, faced a significant challenge in its Dual Language Immersion (DLI) program: the lack of a reliable assessment to gauge student language proficiency. Teachers relied on informal observations, leading to inconsistent evaluations and difficulty in addressing individual learning needs. Additionally, the district required a solution that was […]

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What Does It Mean For an Assessment to be Valid & Reliable?

Validity and Reliability are undoubtedly the two pillars of assessment theory. As an adjunct professor of Assessment, I have had to define these concepts and explain their significance to teacher candidates in all content areas. Often, they confuse the two, so I had to develop a few memorable examples that would stick in their minds, […]

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How ACTFL and LTI Are Leading the Charge in Language Testing

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 […]

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Maximizing the Value of Your Seal of Biliteracy: From Certification to College Credit

We’re in our most powerful era as language teachers. The development of Seal of Biliteracy credentials in the United States has ushered in opportunities that elevate the power our graduates have. We are not only arming them with valuable 21st century skills but also tangible evidence that enhances their professional potential. For us classroom teachers, […]

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A Closer Look at Testing Young Learners

A key concept in the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) is the learner as an agent of social change. “Language education should therefore create learning contexts that encourage learners to grow in their role as social agents, as autonomous and responsible language users. Learners as social agents can then take responsibility for […]

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Beyond Grades: How the Seal of Biliteracy Speaks Gen Z’s Language

You are standing in a room with a bunch of incoming 9th grade students and their parents and are given one minute to explain to them why they should enroll in language classes in high school. Anyone been there? I’ve been teaching Spanish since 2004, and I’ve noticed that my sales pitch has changed over […]

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The AAPPL in Higher Education 

Did you know that the ACTFL Assessment of Performance toward Proficiency in Languages (AAPPL), sounds like 🍎, was recently approved by ACTFL for placement testing in higher education? It is true, and it may just be the solution you have been looking for to improve your postsecondary world language program.   

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Understanding Factors that Contribute to Test Scores

Most teachers want to know what caused one student to score one way and another student to score another way. When it comes to AAPPL testing, the story is no different. Here are a few common scenarios that tend to stimulate this question and ways you can address them.    Contact Us Today For More Information

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It’s September. Do You Know Where Your Learners Are? Six Benefits of Testing with the AAPPL at the Start of the School Year

As another school year approaches, educators everywhere are preparing to welcome a new cohort of learners. With the excitement of fresh beginnings, it’s essential to understand where each learner stands in their language proficiency journey. This insight is critical for tailoring instruction to meet individual needs and fostering growth throughout the academic year. Contact Us […]

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