Avant STAMP for ASL
Language Proficiency Test for Learners of American Sign Language
About Avant STAMP for American Sign Language (ASL)
Avant STAMP for ASL is a first-of-its-kind American Sign Language test. ASL learners may be evaluated on the Receptive skill (the ability to comprehend signed ASL) as well as the Expressive skill (the ability to create signed ASL). This computer-adaptive Sign Language test is conducted entirely online. STAMP for ASL is convenient and affordable!
Avant STAMP for ASL was developed to align with the same proficiency scale and rigor as all other Avant STAMP tests.
Developed in a Community-Based Collaboration
Avant Assessment developed this American Sign Language assessment in collaboration with Bridges Oregon. Bridges Oregon is one of only two organizations that delivers the National Sign Language Assessment (NSLA) which uses the Sign Language Proficiency Interview (SLPI) to assess ASL interpreters.
CREDIT BY EXAM
Avant STAMP for ASL helps both Children of Deaf Adults (CODA) and ASL second language learners earn world language high school or college credits with language skills they have acquired at home. Increase access and equity to higher-level courses and programs by offering the Avant STAMP for ASL test!
PLACE WITH CONFIDENCE
By delivering accurate data on test takers’ real-world language proficiency levels, Avant STAMP for ASL can help place students with some American Sign Language skills into appropriate class levels.
SECURITY
We continuously work to improve our safeguards for testing, test taker data, and proctoring integrity. Avant is compliant with the current data privacy laws and security requirements. Learn more about our Test Security and Integrity.A Shared Purpose to Support Access Through Language Learning
Avant Assessment is dedicated to improving equity, access and understanding through the improved teaching and learning of languages.
For every test purchased and delivered, a portion of the proceeds will be contributed to Bridges Oregon in support of their mission.
Bridges Oregon has Deaf veterans that teach ASL K-16 on their team who are instrumental in providing guidance to the Avant test development team in building the assessment. In addition, Bridges Oregon has introduced ASL experts to be part of the team of Avant certified raters who review and rate individual test taker responses.
“As a visual language, ASL presents new test design and technology challenges for online assessment,” says David Bong, CEO of Avant Assessment, “and we are thrilled to now have Bridges Oregon’s expert support as we develop the test. ASL is a quickly growing language in schools and universities across the country. STAMP for ASL will meet the needs of ASL education programs and ASL learners by providing a way to obtain data that will support analysis and professional learning. This will support improvements in learning outcomes and enable learners to qualify for Seals of Biliteracy.”
“Bridges Oregon looks forward to participating in this new opportunity with Avant and being able to witness a new technology milestone that allows an ASL assessment to be available through Avant’s innovative computer adaptive technology with support from our heritage language scoring assessment team,” says Chad A. Ludwig, Executive Director of Bridges Oregon, “and this partnership is significant as it increases resources to schools and universities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who should take the Avant STAMP for ASL?
Avant STAMP for ASL was designed for second-language learners of ASL and Children of Deaf Adults (CODA). The Receptive skill assessment may be used as an evaluation for a variety of ASL learners. The Expressive skill may only be administered to learners age 13+ to meet privacy laws for younger test takers.
What are the system requirements for Avant STAMP for ASL?
Avant STAMP for ASL uses full motion video for both Receptive and Expressive skills, which requires a strong network connection and a current computer. A computer camera will be required for the signing-Expressive portion of the test.
Avant STAMP for ASL is currently compatible with only the Chrome browser (the latest version) on PCs, Macs and Chromebooks. Please see our Assessment Technology Guide for overall system, equipment requirements, and browser capabilities.
What are the bandwidth requirements?
Avant STAMP for ASL uses full motion video to present the content for both Receptive and Expressive skills. Bandwidth requirements will depend on the number of test takers attempting to take the assessment at the same time. Limiting this number will benefit the test takers to ensure the highest quality of video streaming. Technical documentation is forthcoming.
When are the results available?
Receptive section scores are available as soon as the test taker completes each section. These are scored by the computer-adaptive engine. Be sure to refresh the page for updates.
Expressive section scores are available from 20 to 22 business days after test completion. Scores may be available sooner, so check the test results screen periodically to determine the rating progress. During busy testing times (March-June), scoring may take longer. Please plan accordingly.
Do you have assessments for other languages?
Yes, we offer many other assessments in different configurations and languages. Please visit our Sample Tests page to see the languages available for each type of assessment.
How long does each section of the STAMP for ASL test take?
Receptive: 35-40 minutes
Expressive: 20-25 minutes
How many questions will learners encounter on the Avant STAMP for ASL assessment?
Receptive: approximately 30 multiple choice questions
Expressive: 3 prompts
Talk to one of our assessment experts for pricing and ordering the Avant STAMP for American Sign Language (ASL) test.