World Language Proficiency Credits
2023-2024 World Language Proficiency Testing
This year we are able to offer World Language Proficiency Testing only to students enrolled in the Edmonds School District in grades 9, 10, 11 and 12. Students have the opportunity to earn up to four credits for demonstrating proficiency in a language other than English.
World Language Proficiency testing will be provided on-site at our district high schools during the school day for students on the dates posted below.
Registration for 2023-24 World Language Proficiency Testing
World Language Proficiency Testing registration for the 2023-24 school year is now closed for all schools.
World Language Proficiency Registration and Testing Dates 2023-24
| School | Testing Date | Registration closes |
| Lynnwood HS |
Wednesday - Jan. 10 @ 7:20 am & |
Registration is now closed |
| Edmonds Heights | Wednesday - Feb. 28 @ 9:00 am | Registration is now closed |
| eLearning | Wednesday - March 6 @ 9:00 am | Registration is now closed |
| Meadowdale HS | Tuesday - March 12 @ 7:20 am | Registration is now closed |
| Edmonds Woodway HS | Wednesday - March 13 @ 7:20 am | Registration is now closed |
| Mountlake Terrace HS | Thursday - March 14 @ 7:20 am | Registration is now closed |
| Scriber Lake HS | Thursday - March 28 @ 8:30 am | Registration is now closed |
Resources
- Avant STAMP 4S & STAMP WS Sample Tests
- Avant STAMP Benchmark & Rubric Guide
- ALTA Language Testing Scale
- ALTA Practice Test
- American Sign Language (ASL) Stamp Test Information
- Instructions for setting Chromebook keyboard to target language
Washington State Seal of Biliteracy
The Seal of Biliteracy is available to graduating students that demonstrate proficiency in English and a World Language other than English. Students receiving the Seal of Biliteracy will be recognized at a board meeting, receive a certificate of recognition, and an honor cord to be worn at graduation.
Proficiency in English is shown by:
- Earning 4 high school credits in English and Language Arts
- Passing the 10th grade ELA SBA or a state-recognized alternative
assessment.
Proficiency in a World Language other than English is shown by:
- Earning a score of 3 or higher on a World Language AP test
or
- Earning a score of 4 or higher on a World Language IB test
or
- Earning 4 credits on a World Language Proficiency test
World Language Assessments Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Registration/Before Test Day
Q: Who can earn World Language Credit-by-Proficiency?
A: Any high school student with strong skills in reading, writing, speaking, and listening in a language other than English can earn credit. Students using American Sign Language may also earn credit. Students need to complete a self-assessment of their skills before testing.
Q: Can I take the test if I am a ML student?
A: Yes. ML students are encouraged to take the test. However, we strongly recommend students take the test when they are at an intermediate or advanced level of English language skill - this is because the test instructions will all be in English, making the test challenging for a beginning ML student.
Q: What languages can I earn credit in?
A: Any language that has written and spoken forms, as well as American Sign Language.
Q: How many high school credits can I earn?
A: One – Four (1-4)
Q: Can I earn credit in more than one language?
A: Yes, though the school district will only pay for one assessment. Students may arrange to pay for additional assessments.
Q: How much does testing cost?
A: The first language test comes at no cost to the student. If a student chooses to retest the following academic year, there will be a fee based on the cost of the assessment.
Q: What happens if I don’t do well on the test?
A: There is no negative posting on transcripts or other records.
Q: Can I test more than once?
A: Students can opt to retest, at their own cost, in the following academic year.
Q: How do I register for the test?
A: To register, students will complete a simple registration form. This will happen at the middle school and high school campuses and be advertised at the school.
Q: How do I decide if I should take the test?
A: If you feel that your language level is high enough to show proficiency in reading, writing, speaking, and listening, then you should test. Keep in mind that only the first test will be paid for by the district so if you are not sure you are ready, you might wait a year to solidify your skills.
Q: Where is there information about the laws and procedures that allow for World Language Credit-by-Proficiency in Washington?
A: Please visit the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction's website.
Test Day
Q: What is the test like?
A: The test varies depending on the language. Some tests are completed on the computer. Others are partially completed on the computer and have written component. Some are all paper/pencil. All the tests also include a speaking and/or listening component, as well as reading and writing assessments.
Q: Where does testing happen?
A: Testing will be offered at each high school. Students should attend the testing at their school.
Q: How can I get help to develop my language skills?
A: You can practice your skills by reading things you enjoy in the languages you are learning, as well as finding opportunities to write – letters, email, blogging, etc…. You can also practice your speaking skills with friends and families that speak the language. In some cases, you may be able to find opportunities in the community to study the language.
Q: How can I continue learning languages?
A: Talk to your counselor about options in your school that would work for in your schedule.
Q: What if I already took classes in and earned credit in the language I am testing in?
A: Additional credit for proficiency earned at the high school level will only be awarded for levels above the credit already earned. If you have earned credit for content-based language courses, for example - Spanish for Native Speakers, any credits earned via this program will be in addition to credits you have earned, up to a total of four credits.
Q: What if I am taking a French 2 class at school but test in Spanish and receive four credits?
A: You can earn credits for both languages. In this case, you would earn two credits of French (for French 1 and French 2) and then four credits for Spanish, for a total of six.
After Testing
Q: What kind of credit will this generate?
A: Elective credits will be generated, with unique course names that indicate the language, level, and that it was earned through proficiency.
Q: When will credits be posted to my transcript?
A: Processing test results can take 8-12 weeks.
Q: Will this affect my GPA?
A: Because proficiency credit does not have a “grade,” it is GPA-neutral.
Q: Will
A: Having your language proficiency noted on your high school transcript is a valuable addition to any college application. However, colleges and universities determine their own policies about accepting credits attained through one of these assessments for either entrance to the school or placement in language courses. Students should check with their desired college or university to learn more about their policies regarding these credits.
For more information, please contact Mark Madison, Director of Career and College Readiness and Career at Technical Education, (425) 431-7124.