Newly added language proficiency assessments
The Professional Educator Standards Board (PESB) approved adding Avant and ALTA assessments to the list of accepted language proficiency assessments. Now, in addition to ACTFL, these assessments meet requirements for candidates seeking to add Designated World Languages or Bilingual Education endorsements. The Board also recently updated the passing score on the ACTFL.
The following memo has information on these new assessment options, the associated passing scores, and how Institutions of Higher Education (IHEs) can offer these new assessments to candidates.
LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY ASSESSMENTS
Below is a summary of acceptable language proficiency assessments and passing scores:
Avant
| Any of the following Assessments | Passing Score |
| STAMP 3S | 7 or higher on all sections |
| STAMP 4S | 7 or higher on all sections |
| APT (Arabic Proficiency Assessment) | 7 or higher on all sections |
| STAMP WS | 7 or higher on both parts |
ALTA
| All of the following Assessments | Passing Score |
| Speaking and Listening (IVR or Online) | ILR Score of 2 or higher |
| Online Writing | ILR Score of 2 or higher |
ACTFL
| All of the following Assessments | Passing Score |
| Oral Proficiency Interview (OPI) | Advanced-Low |
| Writing Proficiency Test (WPT) | Advanced-Low |
HOW TO SET UP AN ACCOUNT WITH AVANT AND/OR ALTA TO OFFER ASSESSMENTS TO CANDIDATES
Several Washington IHEs already have accounts set up with Avant and ALTA. Institutions that do not have an account with Avant or ALTA can establish accounts with Avant and/or ALTA, and make these assessments available to teacher candidates enrolled in their programs.
If your IHE has an account with Avant or ALTA and will allow individuals who are not students with the IHE to register for these assessments, please contact Jason Profit at PESB at jason.profit@k12.wa.us. Jason is interested in publishing a list of IHEs that current educators or out-of-state educators could utilize if they need to demonstrate language proficiency for either of these endorsements.
| Avant | |
| STAMP Getting Started | Website to begin getting Avant set up at your IHE |
| Avant.WA.HE@avantassessment.com | Email for any questions from an IHE |
| Digital Badge | For individuals who are not connected with an IHE |
| ALTA | |
| New Account Setup | Website to set up an account with ALTA |
| Portal Demo Video | Demonstration of Portal Access |
QUESTIONS?
FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:
The Professional Educator Standards Board at PESB@k12.wa.us
Jason Profit at jason.profit@k12.wa.us
