Foreign Language

Proficiency in languages other than English is critical in our global society. CAL’s foreign language experts focus on language education at all levels of instruction (preK-12, higher education, and adult education), with a special focus on teaching languages to children. CAL staff conduct language research, professional development for language teachers, information collection and dissemination, PreK-8 test development, and program evaluation. CAL has a long tradition of promoting early language education programs in elementary schools across the country and is known for its innovative Student Oral Proficiency Assessment (SOPA) interview for children, which includes hands-on activities and role plays to help children demonstrate their language skills.

CAL's experienced foreign language education staff

• Conduct research
• Conduct evaluations of school language programs
• Develop foreign language assessments for preK-8 students
• Adapt and revise existing language assessments to address specific curriculum goals
• Design, develop, and conduct language education surveys
• Conduct language assessment workshops for teachers and school administrators
• Collect and disseminate information on all aspects of foreign language education

 

Professional Development: SOPA, ELLOPA, and COPE Workshops
The SOPA (Student Oral Proficiency Assessment) and ELLOPA (Early Language Listening and Oral Proficiency Assessment) interviews and the COPE (CAL Oral Proficiency Exam) are innovative language proficiency assessment instruments designed to allow students to demonstrate their highest level of performance in oral fluency, grammar, vocabulary, and listening comprehension. CAL offers training in the effective use of these assessments. Learn more about our professional development workshops.

SOPA Online Training now available
CAL now offers three online training courses that teach participants how to administer and rate students’ oral language using the Student Oral Proficiency Assessment (SOPA). Learn more.

Highlighted Projects

Click on each title to learn more:

Foreign Language Assessment Directory - Now Available
National K – 12 Foreign Language Survey
National Capital Language Resource Center
National K – 12 Foreign Language Resource Center

The Center for Applied Linguistics is involved in a variety of projects related to foreign language education. Learn more about our other projects.

Publications and Resources

CAL has a variety of publications and resources related to foreign language education. Learn more.

CAL Digests

Download our newest digests:

Oral Proficiency Assessment: The Use of Technology in Test Development and Rater Training.

Foreign Languge Immersion Programs: Features and Trends Over 35 Years.

Browse our collection of free downloadable digests related to foreign language education.