Proficiency Exam
Who? 6th grade Spanish sections
What? A proficiency exam
When? Mid-December every year, lasting about one week (2 to 3 classes)
Where? Takes place in the classroom during class
Why? To determine student language acquisition levels to recommend middle school placement
How? Oral, written and multiple choice assessments
What? A proficiency exam
When? Mid-December every year, lasting about one week (2 to 3 classes)
Where? Takes place in the classroom during class
Why? To determine student language acquisition levels to recommend middle school placement
How? Oral, written and multiple choice assessments
The possible student tracks:
STUDENTbasic/new
would benefit from review and slower pace proficient/advanced
would benefit from more advanced curriculum (since most district students had instruction 1-6 in Spanish, the majority test into this level) |
7THIntro 7
meets every other day Level I; Units 1-5 Continuing 1
meets every other day Level I |
8THIntro 8
meets every other day Level I; Units 6-10 Continuing 2 meets every other day Level II |
9THLevel II
Level III |
Shortly after returning from winter break, students sign up for classes at the Middle School. Children will be presented with options of electives to take in January and there will be an evening presentation for families at the Middle School.
Each student will take a proficiency exam to see what level s/he is at to help determine his/her placement for next year. There are three parts to the exam: an oral portion, a written portion, and a multiple choice portion. The results of the exam will be used to help determine which one of the two 7th grade Spanish options is right for each child. Each option has a track to follow if they wish to continue for both years of middle school Spanish.
If your child scores proficient on the upcoming assessment, s/he should sign up for Continuing 1 Spanish. If your child does not score proficient on the exam, I will take a look at his/her current progress in class and may recommend that s/he sign up for Intro Spanish. The placement of your child in a Spanish class is not based solely on the three part assessment; his/her progress in class will also be taken into consideration. I want to stress that I do not want your child to worry out about this exam. I am only asking for his/her best effort and that each student takes the assessment seriously. For a foreign language, this is the equivalent of the WKCE test, so be sure that your child gets lots of rest and comes into class with a “can do” attitude.
In December, I will discuss the exam with your child and s/he will be writing a few short sentences that they present to me as part of the oral exam. I am encouraging them to practice at home and to do their best when presenting. During the exam, s/he will not be able to use any notes; however, I will give them a sheet that is in English that reminds them what they should say in Spanish. Students will then present later in December. The multiple choice portion will be given in December as well. They will also respond to a letter using the same information they used to present in the oral part of the exam.
If you have any questions regarding this proficiency exam or the placement of your child please let me know. At the beginning of January, you will receive a letter stating your child’s score and recommended placement for 7th grade.
Each student will take a proficiency exam to see what level s/he is at to help determine his/her placement for next year. There are three parts to the exam: an oral portion, a written portion, and a multiple choice portion. The results of the exam will be used to help determine which one of the two 7th grade Spanish options is right for each child. Each option has a track to follow if they wish to continue for both years of middle school Spanish.
If your child scores proficient on the upcoming assessment, s/he should sign up for Continuing 1 Spanish. If your child does not score proficient on the exam, I will take a look at his/her current progress in class and may recommend that s/he sign up for Intro Spanish. The placement of your child in a Spanish class is not based solely on the three part assessment; his/her progress in class will also be taken into consideration. I want to stress that I do not want your child to worry out about this exam. I am only asking for his/her best effort and that each student takes the assessment seriously. For a foreign language, this is the equivalent of the WKCE test, so be sure that your child gets lots of rest and comes into class with a “can do” attitude.
In December, I will discuss the exam with your child and s/he will be writing a few short sentences that they present to me as part of the oral exam. I am encouraging them to practice at home and to do their best when presenting. During the exam, s/he will not be able to use any notes; however, I will give them a sheet that is in English that reminds them what they should say in Spanish. Students will then present later in December. The multiple choice portion will be given in December as well. They will also respond to a letter using the same information they used to present in the oral part of the exam.
If you have any questions regarding this proficiency exam or the placement of your child please let me know. At the beginning of January, you will receive a letter stating your child’s score and recommended placement for 7th grade.