What is Avant STAMP?

ACTFL Assessment of Performance toward Proficiency in Language (AAPPL) is taken by students in Language Immersion programs in grades 3- 9.

Student in grades 3-6 will take the STAMPe - the 'e' stands for elementary school or elementary-age language learners. This program is designed for dual language immersion programs or other school environments with learners aged 12 and younger.

Students in grade 7-12 will take the STAMP 4S- it is a general language proficiency assessment of Reading, Writing, Listening and Speaking. It is designed for second-language learners aged 13 and older in school grades seven and above including middle and high schools, college and university students, and adults. 

Avant is a proficiency- and performance-based assessment that evaluates language performance and proficiency across all three communication modes: Interpersonal, Interpretive, and Presentational. It consists of four components:

1. Interpersonal Listening & Speaking (ILS): This assesses your ability to understand spoken language and engage in spoken communication with others.

2. Interpretive Listening (IL): This evaluates your comprehension of spoken language, such as listening to audio recordings or conversations.

3. Interpretive Reading (IR): This measures your understanding of written texts, including articles, passages, or other written materials.

4. Presentational Writing (PW): This focuses on your ability to produce written content, such as essays, reports, or summaries.

Scoring

STAMP Scoring Rubric outlines in detail what expectations are placed upon the test takers for performance at any given level. Test takers receive a score (Benchmark Level) for each section of the test. Benchmark Levels are grouped by major levels (Novice, Intermediate and Advanced). Within each major level are three sub-levels (low, mid, high) that are aligned to the ACTFL Proficiency Guidelines.

• Novice Range (N-1 to N-3):

  • N-1: The speaker can produce individual, relevant words but struggles to connect them into meaningful phrases or sentences. Vocabulary is limited to the prompt or situation. Frequent errors in spelling, word order, word choice, and usage severely hinder communication, requiring significant effort to understand. Pronunciation and intonation issues are also common in speech.

  • N-2: The speaker can form simple, meaningful phrases by connecting basic subjects, verbs, or objects, though inconsistently. Vocabulary is limited to familiar or recently learned topics. Frequent grammar, word order, and word choice errors hinder communication, making it difficult to understand even for experienced listeners. Pronunciation and intonation issues may further impact comprehension.

  • N-3: The speaker can form simple sentences using memorized phrases and basic grammar. Vocabulary is limited, and errors may make communication harder but not impossible. Listeners with experience can usually understand with some effort. Pronunciation and intonation problems are noticeable, especially in longer sentences.

• Intermediate-Range (I-1 to I-3):

  • I-4: The speaker can make simple sentences with some detail, but ideas may not be clearly connected. Vocabulary is growing and allows for some expansion on everyday topics. Grammar and word errors are common but usually don’t stop understanding. Speech may be hard to follow at times due to pronunciation and fluency issues.

  • I-5:The speaker uses longer sentences and transitions to make ideas flow better. They can talk about different time frames and more topics. Some mistakes still happen, but the message is clear to most listeners.

  • I-6: The speaker uses more complex sentence structures and varied transitions, creating a smoother, more natural flow. They can handle different time frames with growing accuracy and express ideas on a wider range of topics. Occasional errors occur but don’t hinder communication, and the language is generally clear to both familiar and unfamiliar listeners.

• Advanced Range (A-1):

  • A-7

    : The speaker can respond fully to prompts using complex sentences and detailed language, creating a smooth, natural flow. They switch time frames accurately and use a wide range of vocabulary and structures, even on less common topics. Most of the language is error-free, and any mistakes are minor and don’t affect understanding. Speech is clear and easy to understand, even for those not used to language learners.

  • A-9: The speaker confidently addresses all parts of the prompt with clear, organized, and native-like flow. They use complex structures and advanced vocabulary accurately, showing deep meaning and cultural understanding. Their language is almost error-free, smooth, and natural, easily understood by all listeners. Pronunciation and fluency are flawless, matching native speakers.

  For a more detailed Scoring Rubric Click on the link below

Results

Reading and Listening scores are available as soon as the test taker completes each section. These are scored by a computer-adaptive engine.

Writing and Speaking scores are typically available from 7-10 business days after test completion.

Composite scores are available when all sections have been completed, scored and rated. Composite Score represents a test taker’s scores added together and divided by the total number of sections assessed.

For information on how to download your students report Click the link below

Questions

Contact Dr. Bryan Becherini email - brbecherini@wsd.net