State of Washington

The state of Washington has recognized the Avant STAMP test as a valid language proficiency assessment for which students can attain the Seal of Biliteracy. The Seal of Biliteracy is established to recognize public high school graduates who have attained a high level of proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing in one or more world languages in addition to English. A student’s ability to engage in conversation, understand written or spoken text, and present information orally or in writing is developed over a number of years of learning a language. Assessing language proficiency is a critical component of program evaluation. Most importantly, assessing language proficiency provides students with accurate feedback about what they are actually able to do with the language.

Additionally, Washington is one of 36 states with policies that permit students to earn competency-based credit. Developed by the Washington State School Directors’ Association, the State Board of Education, and the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction, this model policy and procedure provides guidance to school districts on how to offer competency-based credits for world languages. In order to encourage districts to explore competency-based credit, the three organizations combined their resources to create a rigorous and fair process to assess world language knowledge and skills that students had acquired outside of the classroom. This practical approach is intended to provide a road map for districts seeking to grant credit as well as an avenue for students to earn recognition, credit, and find greater flexibility in their school schedules. In addition, districts are able to participate in Washington World Language Assessment Days to offer students opportunities to take STAMP and receive a certificate of recognition.