Grades 7-12 Suggested Levels
The following is given as a general placement suggestion guide, based upon the elements assessed and the results attained.
The Avant Score shows an appropriate placement level for a test taker. The Avant Score is not a total average score. The Avant Score is determined by the calculation of scores from each completed section (lexical recognition, dictation, partial translation, sentence completion, verb conjugation, speaking, and writing).
IMPORTANT: An asterisk (*) displays to indicate that the test taker appears to be at the high end of the indicated Avant Score.
Please compare your program and course descriptions with the scenarios listed below in the “Description of Levels” column. The SHL test predominantly utilizes grammar and vocabulary to determine readiness to success in academic courses and should not be used as a sole indicator of overall language proficiency.
| AVANT SCORES | DESCRIPTION OF LEVEL | POTENTIAL SECONDARY COURSES |
|---|---|---|
| 7 | Advanced 3 Level: Students with extended Spanish-speaking background with clear evidence of extended formal knowledge of the language. This level generally represents students who have exceeded expectations of the Spanish program. | Level 4 – Advanced |
| 6* | Advanced 2 Level: Students with extended Spanish-speaking background with evidence of extended formal knowledge of the language. Focus in this course would be upon improving advanced writing skills. | Level 4 – Advanced |
| 6 | Advanced 1 Level: Students with extended Spanish-speaking background with evidence of extended formal knowledge of the language. Focus in this course would be upon improving advanced speaking skills. | Level 4 – Advanced |
| 5* | Check percentages on Grammar Section to see how the student scored in each of the areas as well as reviewing of the written and spoken responses to determine placement up or down. | Level 3 – Intermediate 2 |
| 5 | Intermediate 2 Level: Students with Spanish-speaking background with some evidence of formal knowledge of the language. Continuation of Intermediate 1 content and focus areas. | Level 3 – Intermediate 2 |
| 4* | Check percentages on Grammar Section to see how the student scored in each area to determine placement up or down. | Level 3 – Intermediate 2 |
| 4 | Intermediate 1 Level: Students with limited Spanish-speaking background with evidence of some formal knowledge of the language. Focus in this course would be on formal reading, spelling and paragraph length composition with authentic materials. | Level 2 – Intermediate 1 |
| 3* | Check percentages on Grammar Section to see how the student scored in each area to determine placement up or down. | Level 2 – Intermediate 1 |
| 3 | Basic Level: Students with some Spanish-speaking background with limited formal knowledge of the language. Focus in this course would be on vocabulary and basic grammar. | Level 2 – Intermediate 1 |
| 2* | Check percentages on Lexical and Dictation to see how the student scored in each section to determine placement up or down. | Level 1 – Beginning |
| 1 & 2 | False Beginners: Students who have not had any formal learning, but who have been around speakers of the language to some extent and know a few words. | Level 1 – Beginning |
Higher Ed Suggested Levels
The following is given as a general placement suggestion guide, based upon the elements assessed and the results attained.
The Avant Score shows an appropriate placement level for a test taker. The Avant Score is not a total average score. The Avant Score is determined by the calculation of scores from each completed section (lexical recognition, dictation, partial translation, sentence completion, verb conjugation, speaking, and writing).
IMPORTANT: An asterisk (*) displays to indicate that the test taker appears to be at the high end of the indicated Avant Score.
Please compare your program and course descriptions with the scenarios listed below in the “Description of Levels” column. This table represents placement into 7 unique levels. We have utilized the Spanish courses at the University of Houston to help establish these levels and course descriptions.
| Avant Score | University Levels | Description of Levels |
|---|---|---|
| 7 | (AL) Test Out | Advanced 3 Level: Students with extended Spanish-speaking background with clear evidence of extended formal knowledge of the language. This level generally represents students who have exceeded expectations of the Spanish program and receive full credit for all language courses offered within the program. |
| 6* | (3308) Advanced Writing | Advanced 2 Level: Students with extended Spanish-speaking background with evidence of extended formal knowledge of the language. This level focuses upon improving advanced writing skills. |
| 6 | (3307) Advanced Speaking | Advanced 1 Level: Students with extended Spanish-speaking background with evidence of extended formal knowledge of the language. This level focuses upon improving advanced speaking skills. |
| 5* | 2308* | Check percentages on Grammar Section to see how the student scored in each of the areas as well as reviewing of the written and spoken responses. |
| 5 | (2308) Intermediate 2 | Intermediate 2 Level: Students with Spanish-speaking background with some evidence of formal knowledge of the language. Continuation of Intermediate 1 content and focus areas. |
| 4* | 2307* | Check percentages on Grammar Section to see how the student scored in each area. |
| 4 | (2307) Intermediate 1 | Intermediate 1 Level: Students with limited Spanish-speaking background with evidence of some formal knowledge of the language. Focus is on formal reading, spelling and composition with authentic materials. |
| 3* | 1507* | Check percentages on Grammar Section to see how the student scored in each area. |
| 3 | (1507) BASIC | Basic Level: Students with some Spanish-speaking background with limited formal knowledge of the language. Focus is on vocabulary and basic grammar. |
| 2* | Basic* | Check percentages on Lexical and Dictation to see how the student scored in each section. |
| 1 & 2 | L2 Test | False Beginners: Students who have not had any formal learning, but who have been around speakers of the language to some extent and know a few words. |