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. 

Resources, News, and Events

American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL) 2020 Annual Convention (Virtual)
Overcoming Barriers to K-16 Program Articulation
Assessment Literacy For Language Educators
Assessment Literacy For Language Educators
Effects Of Instructional Hours And Intensity Of Instruction On NRS Level Gain In Listening And Speaking
Effects Of Instructional Hours And Intensity Of Instruction On NRS Level Gain In Listening And Speaking
Adult English Proficiency Assessments
Adult English Proficiency Assessments

The number of adult English language learners in the United States continues to grow substantially and programs serving them face many challenges in providing instruction to meet their needs. Having ... Read more

Assessment for Language Instructors: The Basics – Online Course
Assessment for Language Instructors: The Basics – Online Course

This online course provides world language instructors with an understanding of the fundamentals of assessment. The course lasts five weeks and includes five units that require 2 hours each. Unit ... Read more

Ask a Test Developer – A CAL Commentary
Ask a Test Developer – A CAL Commentary

Mina Niu, Kristine Nugent

September 2018

CAL Tapped to Develop Career-Focused Resources for STARTALK Initiative
CAL Releases Actionable World Language Resources & Supplements
CAL Launches Updated Assessment Resources for World Language and Heritage Language Teachers
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Related Projects

Assessment and Evaluation Language Resource Center (AELRC)
Assessment and Evaluation Language Resource Center (AELRC)

Funder: U.S. Department of Education

Massachusetts World Language Standards Update
Massachusetts World Language Standards Update

Funder: Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education

STARTALK
STARTALK

Funder: U.S. Department of Defense, via subcontract from the University of Maryland, National Foreign Language Center

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The Center for Applied Linguistics is a nonprofit organization promoting access, equity, and mutual understanding for linguistically and culturally diverse people around the world.