The World-Readiness Standards for Language Learning, just like the ACTFL Proficiency Guidelines, are defined as having three sublevels of Low, Mid, and High for each of the levels of Novice, Intermediate, and Advanced. The World-Readiness Standards for Language Learning list three categories of skills:
- Interpersonal (speaking-listening or writing-reading)
- Interpretive (reading, listening, viewing)
- Presentational (writing, speaking, visually representing)
The Avant STAMP is directly aligned to these levels and all STAMP reports use this language to assist in identifying test taker ability.
Interpersonal Communication – What is it? Can it be Assessed in a Computer-Based Assessment?
In the speaking section of Avant STAMP, test takers produce language after reading or listening to prompts from a conversational setting. We do this because our research has shown that this is the most effective way to obtain responses that are sufficient in length to demonstrate the higher-level language skills defined in the Intermediate and Advanced levels according to the ACTFL Proficiency Guidelines. Some people have told us that they think Avant STAMP does not align with these standards because STAMP does not include an Interpersonal Speaking section. To answer that question we must first ask – what is interpersonal communication?
What is the First Descriptor of Interpersonal Speaking from the World-Readiness Standards for Language Learning?
“Interpersonal Communication – Interact and negotiate meaning in spoken, signed, or written conversations to share information, reactions, feelings, and opinions.”
“Negotiate meaning” is the essence of interpersonal communication. Even with an avatar or mock interview, it is just not possible to negotiate meaning in a computer-based test with today’s technology. Meaning, it is not possible to assess interpersonal communication with a computer-based assessment. Avant agrees that Interpersonal communication is a critically important skill, but true interpersonal communication can only be assessed through a human-to-human interview or synchronous exchange of writing (text messaging for example).
How Valid is the Rating of Avant STAMP Speaking and Writing Responses?
The measure of quality in assessing the productive skills of Speaking and Writing is the consistent and accurate rating of test taker responses. Avant’s rater training processes, certification, and rater management software are core to the quality of Avant STAMP. Avant developed both the software and the rater training more than 20 years ago and continues to improve these for the delivery of Avant STAMP.