13 Language Proficiency and Assessments Myths Debunked

When it comes to language proficiency, misconceptions are everywhere. From how proficiency is defined and developed to how it’s assessed, common myths can lead to inaccurate assumptions, flawed decisions, and missed opportunities. In a crowded landscape of tests, tools, and claims, not all approaches to measuring and understanding proficiency are created equal. Let’s separate myth […]

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Language Proficiency Assessments: Why Only the Gold Standard Counts

When it comes to measuring language proficiency, not all tests are created equally. Only ACTFL® assessments, delivered exclusively through Language Testing International® (LTI), produce ACTFL scores and certificates, credentials recognized globally by K-12 programs, universities, employers, and government agencies. Any ACTFL rating provided by a non-ACTFL assessment is not recognized by ACTFL.  In other words, […]

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College and Career Readiness: Where Does Language Fit?

Spoiler alert: language education is important for college and career readiness (CCR)! Recently, Education Week (EdWeek) launched an informal poll among K-12 language educators on LinkedIn and found that nearly 75% of the roughly 1,900 respondents listed “adaptability as the most important skill graduates need.” Other skills mentioned were ability to focus, empathy, resilience, critical […]

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Are You Truly Assessing Proficiency? Revised ACTFL Proficiency Guidelines.

ACTFL has announced the release of the ACTFL Proficiency Guidelines 2024, representing a significant milestone in language assessment standards. Aligned with key language learning standards and resources, such as World-Readiness Standards for Learning Languages, the ACTFL Performance Descriptors for Language Learners, and the NCSSFL-ACTFL Can-Do Statements, the Guidelines enhance clarity and accessibility, empowering educators and learners alike. Read ACTFL’s […]

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Preparing Employees for New Endeavors in Domestic and International Markets

One of the most valuable investments companies can make in today’s globalized economy is to improve their employees’ language skills in another language as well as their cultural awareness. There are a plethora of language training and development programs to choose from for businesses who are seeking to improve their workforce communication skills and effectively […]

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Meet a Language Superhero: Katie Hedrick

Katie Hedrick is the Community Inclusion Coordinator of the City of Roanoke’s Community Engagement department in Virginia. One of her responsibilities is to run a Bilingual Incentive Pay Program to address the concerns and needs of Roanoke’s diverse 100,000 residents. Katie successfully implemented the program across all departments, and to date, many of the city […]

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Certifying your Language Skills through Remote Testing—Anywhere, Anytime

When it comes to learning a language, there is always room for growth. Are you continuously developing your linguistic skills to stay up to date in this globalized and diverse economy? Do you want to mitigate the linguistic barriers with current customers in your organization by helping them in their preferred language? Are you considering […]

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