Options for Measuring Language Proficiency
Oral Proficiency Interview (OPI)
TFLI is a test proctor site for the Oral Proficiency Interview (OPI), which has been evolving since the 1950s and was created by the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL) in the 1980s.
Description: The Oral Proficiency Interview is a valid and reliable means of assessing how well a person speaks a language. It is a 10-30 minute telephonic interview between a certified ACTFL tester and a testee. The interview is interactive and continuously adapts to the interests and abilities of the speaker. The testee's performance is compared to the criteria outlined in the Revised ACTFL Proficiency Guidelines. The interview is recorded and assessed by two different testers ("double rated") and a rating is given based on the ACTFL inverted pyramid rating scale. When the results are announced, TFLI issues a letter stating the testees rating as well as a detailed explaination of the given rating.
Use: The rating, if sufficient, can sometimes be used in lieu of foreign language credits in secondary school or college or for a variety of other occasions when foreign language proficiency must be evaluated. The OPI alone may suffice, or it may be supplemented by a WPT rating (see below). It is up to the school or institution to determine what, if anything, they will accept in terms of a score or type of test required to waive a foreign language requirement.
Languages: Contact the Foreign Languages Department at 615-741-7579, ext 108 for a listing of languages currently tested.
Writing Proficiency Test (WPT)
TFLI is a test proctor site for the Writing Proficiency Test (WPT), which was created by the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL).
Description: The Writing Proficiency Test is a valid and reliable means of assessing how well a person writes in a language. It is a 90-minute written test that is rated by an ACTFL-trained rater. The testee's performance is compared to the criteria outlined in the Revised ACTFL Proficiency Guideline and a rating is given based on the ACTFL inverted pyramid rating scale. When the results are announced, TFLI issues a letter stating the testees rating as well as a detailed explaination of the given rating.
Use: The rating, if sufficient, can sometimes be used in lieu of foreign language credits in secondary school or college or for a variety of other occasions when foreign language proficiency must be evaluated. The WPT alone may suffice, or it may be supplemented by an OPI rating (see above). It is up to the school or institution to determine what, if anything, they will accept in terms of a score or type of test required to waive a foreign language requirement.
Languages: Contact the Foreign Languages Department at 615-741-7579, ext 108 for a listing of languages currently tested.
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Interpreter Skills Assessment
Is the person you want to hire as a staff interpreter skilled? TFLI can evaluate! For more information,e-mail: its@foreignlanguages.org. |
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Taxi Driver English Language Competency Test
At the time of initial application for a driver permit each applicant shall submit to a test administered by the Tennessee Foreign Language Institute in cooperation with the Metropolitan Transportation Licensing Commission staff. The Taxi Driver English Language Competency Test will be used to determine whether each candidate has the minimum skills, knowledge, and communicative competence necessary to drive a taxi in Nashville.
The test administered shall:
1. Measure applicant’s knowledge of the provisions of the taxicab ordinance relating to the conduct of taxicab drivers and the operation of a taxicab.
2. Measure applicant’s knowledge of the geography, street system, and location
of major attractions of the metropolitan government area.
3. Measure applicant’s ability to read and speak the English language at a level necessary to interact with taxicab passengers.
4. Measure applicant’s ability to read and interpret local maps.
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