The following is given as a general placement suggestion guide, based upon the elements assessed and the results attained. 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 LEVELSDESCRIPTION OF LEVELSPOTENTIAL SECONDARY COURSES
7Advanced 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
6Advanced 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
5Intermediate 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
4Intermediate 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
3Basic 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 & 2False 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

Updated March 2022

Stay up to Date

Sign up with your email address to receive news and updates.
Scroll to Top