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Spotlight

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2007-2008 Foreign Language Survey
CAL has recently completed a nationwide survey of K-12 foreign language programs. Learn more about the preliminary findings here.

Now Available
Learn more about online training courses.

Nanduti logo
Visit this CAL Web site dedicated to foreign language learning in Grades preK–8.

Join Ñandu, our electronic listserv focusing on early language learning.

Resource Corner

CAL Digests
Browse of our collection of free downloadable digests including our newest digests related to foreign language instruction:

Principles of Instructed Second Language Acquisition NEW

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

Directories
Browse our online directories and databases including the new Foreign Language Assessment Directory.

Why, How and When brochure coverInformational Brochures
Download these free resources on how to advocate for language learning.

 

Foreign Language

PreK–12

CAL has a long tradition of promoting early language education programs in elementary schools across the country. CAL 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 and knowledge. CAL also hosts the Ñandutí Web site, which offers resources and information about early language learning.

SOPA: Student Oral Proficiency Assessment (for Grades 2–8);

ELLOPA: Early Language Listening and Oral Proficiency Assessment (for Grades PreK–2); and

COPE: CAL Oral Proficiency Exam (for Grades 5–8)
The SOPA and ELLOPA interviews are innovative language proficiency assessment instruments designed to allow young students to demonstrate their highest level of performance in oral fluency, grammar, vocabulary, and listening comprehension. The COPE measures a student's ability to understand, speak, and be understood by others in a second langauge. Learn more.

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


Nanduti LogoÑandutí is a comprehensive resource on foreign language teaching and learning in Grades preK–8, based on the premise that learning another language is beneficial and that students of all ages can learn a language. CAL offers a variety of resources on this site for teachers and parents interested in their children learning foreign languages. Visit the Ñandutí Web site.

Join the Ñandu listserv which focus on early language learning.

COPI logoIntroducing COPI - the next generation of the SOPI   NEW
Now available in Arabic and Spanish, the Computerized Oral Proficiency Instrument (COPI) is a computer-based, semi-adaptive test of Arabic and Spanish oral proficiency. Learn more.

Simulated Oral Proficiency Interview (SOPI)
The Simulated Oral Proficiency Interview (SOPI) is a tape-mediated test of speaking proficiency for high school students and older. All SOPI items are based on the speaking proficiency guidelines of the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL). The test is presented to examinees via a test booklet and a master tape and can be administered individually by anyone using two tape recorders. It can also be used in a language laboratory setting to test groups. Learn more about the SOPI.

Projects

2007-2008 National Foreign Language Survey Preliminary Results Available
Replicating previous CAL surveys (1987 and 1997) of K-12 foreign language programs, CAL conducted a national survey of public and private elementary and secondary schools to identify current patterns and shifts over time in enrollment, languages offered, models of instruction, curricula and methodologies, teacher qualifications and training, and the effects of No Child Left Behind (NCLB) legislation, among other issues. Learn more.

The Center for Applied Linguistics is involved in a variety of foreign language projects. Read more.