World Languages Assessment
CAL has a long history of developing operational tests in foreign languages, particularly the less commonly taught languages.
CAL developed the Foreign Language Assessment Directory (FLAD), which is a free, searchable directory of nearly 200 tests in over 90 languages. The FLAD serves as a starting point for teachers and educators to search for foreign language assessments. Educators can search by name of test, grade, proficiency level, language, skills targeted by the test, and intended test use.
CAL has also developed an online tutorial to serve as a companion resource to the FLAD. This online tutorial introduces key concepts in language testing to help with selecting tests and using test results appropriately and efficiently. Topics include practical considerations when selecting a test, reliability and validity, the use of results, and the impact of testing in the classroom. A list of resources and a glossary of assessment terms are included.
Projects
STARTALK
STARTALK was created in 2006 to provide learning opportunities in the critical languages for students (K-16) and professional development for teachers of the critical languages, mainly through programs offered during the summer.
Resources
Adult English Proficiency Assessments
BEST Literacy and BEST Plus 2.0 address the needs of adult English language learners by providing assessment options that reliably demonstrate student progress. With BEST Plus 2.0 to measure speaking and listening skills and BEST Literacy to measure reading and writing skills, programs can test all of the four skill areas.
News & Events
CAL Releases Actionable World Language Resources & Supplements
CAL has launched supplementary World Language resources to ensure that the revised 2021 Massachusetts World Languages Curriculum Framework is actionable and inclusive for all educators.
CAL Launches Updated Assessment Resources for World Language and Heritage Language Teachers
As part of their work with the Assessment and Evaluation Language Resource Center (AELRC) at Georgetown University, researchers at the Center for Applied Linguistics (CAL) recently launched two updated resources for world language and heritage language educators.
American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL) 2020 Annual Convention (Virtual)
The ACTFL Annual Convention and World Languages Expo is where language educators from around the world come to meet. This global event brings together more than 7,000 language educators from all languages, levels, and assignments.
What Do Language Educators need to Know About Assessment?
This session focuses on what educators need to know in order to develop, implement and score effective classroom-based language assessments. Using examples from online and face-to-face courses, we will provide a framework for professional development in language assessment. View full proposal.