STAMP for Latin Test Taker Guide
REMOTE TESTING ▶
Technology Guide For Avant's Remote Proctoring Solution
STAMP WS/WORLDSPEAK™ Test Taker Guide
Educator Proctored TestingSTAMP 4S ▶
STAMP 4SE ▶
STAMP Pro ▶
STAMP FOR HEBREW GUIDES ▶
SHL TEST ▶
Grades 7-12 Suggested Placement Levels
Higher Ed Suggested Placement Levels
Test Taker GuidesADVANCE ▶
STAMP WS/WORLDSPEAK ▶
PLACE ▶
APT ▶
Handwritten Writing Section Guide
Proficiency Levels & Rubric/Scoring Guide
Test Taker GuidesProficiency Levels & Rubric/Scoring Guide
Arabic Translated GuidesWhat is Avant STAMP for Latin?
Avant STAMP stands for STAndards-Based Measurement of Proficiency and is a web-based test that assesses language proficiency. Avant STAMP for Latin is a proficiency test evaluating the Reading skill. This computer-adaptive reading assessment uses Classical Latin texts which would have been (or were) used for communication in the Ancient World. The results will report on the ACTFL Proficiency Guidelines from Novice-Low through Advanced-High and will follow the formatting and structure of all STAMP Reading tests. It was designed in partnership with Latin language teachers and education experts.
Before the Assessment
Prepare for the Assessment
Take a Sample Test to familiarize yourself with the layout of the test and confirm that your equipment is configured properly and all technology preparation steps are completed before the beginning of assessment. Refer to the Technology Guide to troubleshoot any issues and make sure the system is properly configured.
Rules for Taking an Avant Test
Avant Assessment’s online language proficiency tests must be taken in a proctored environment with a proctor who is authorized by the organization sponsoring the test.
Avant’s test utilizes spontaneous, unrehearsed situations to measure real-world language proficiency. The purpose of this assessment is to measure what you are able to do with the language without the support of any translators, reference material (including taking notes during any portion of the assessment) or assistance of any kind.
- The use of dictionaries, textbooks, cell phones, paper, pens, or other support materials (paper-based or electronic). The only time test takers should have access to pens or pencils is if the Writing section is being administered as handwritten.
- Taking or using notes of any kind (digital or handwritten) for any portion of the test, including the Speaking, Writing, and Expressive sections.
- Writing down a Speaking or Expressive response and using it as your recorded response. This will lower your score for that response, and it may be scored as a ZERO because it involves the use of paper or reference material.
- Using additional computer or smartphone applications (e.g., Word, email, chat) or having other browser windows open during testing.
- The use of Google Translate or any other translation aid (paper-based or electronic).
- Using copy-paste, printing, screen capture apps/tools, video conferencing, messaging tools, or scanning and taking pictures/videos with your phone.
- Sharing information about questions or prompts on the test with anyone.
- Corresponding with anyone other than the proctor during the test. Or, receiving any advice or help from anyone during the test.
- Using violent, profane or inappropriate language in your responses. This will lower your score for that response and it will be scored as a ZERO.
Violating any of these rules may invalidate your assessment results. We recommend also referring to your organization’s policy on academic dishonesty. Learn more about Test Security and Integrity.
During the Assessment
Login Page
Your teacher or proctor will provide the URL, Test Code and Password for the Avant STAMP 4S login page
After entering the Test Code and Password you will see 2 buttons for starting a new test or continuing a test. After clicking on one of the buttons you will be asked to enter your Login Name
Start New Test: Click this button when starting a test for the first time. After clicking this button you will be asked to create a Login Name
Continue Test: Click this button to resume a test you have already started. You will be asked to re-enter the Login Name you entered when you started the test the first time
After clicking on one of the buttons you will be asked to enter your Login Name:
Login name should be:
- Between 5-25 characters long.
- Any combination of letters, numbers, or any of the following special characters: @ (at symbol) _ (underscore) – (hyphen) . (period) , (comma) ‘ (single quote).
- Unique within the testing group (e.g. student or employee ID number or email).
Test takers should memorize their login name. If test takers need to stop and continue the test at a later time, they will need to enter their login name exactly as they did the first time.
- Your teacher or proctor may have suggestions on what to enter in this field but please note that your Login Name cannot be the same as anyone else’s in your testing group.
Be sure you remember how you entered your Login Name because if you need to resume you will need to use the same Login Name you started the test with previously.
Profile Page
The profile page is the first screen that appears after the test taker logs in. All test takers are required to create a profile. It is used to verify the test taker information, gather additional information about the test taker and record information about the test taker’s background with the language being tested.
The only required fields are:
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First Name
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Last Name
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Test Taker ID
-
Confirm Test Taker ID
Other fields are optional. However, we encourage test takers to use the optional fields. They provide a wealth of information that is used by testing coordinators and teachers.
After test takers enter a Login Name and log in, the Test Taker Profile screen will appear where test takers will need to enter First Name, Last Name and Test Taker ID.
Please note that test taker ID is different from Login Name. However, test takers can use the same combination for both Login Name and Test Taker ID. Some institutions have the test takers enter their student ID for one and their school issued email address for the other for data tracking purposes.
An optional email field. This field provides an additional test taker verification point.
Dashboard Page
Test Takers will enter a Dashboard to begin testing.
- Reading section has approximately 30 questions.
The test will provide helpful instructions at the beginning of the section. Please read the instructions carefully.
Responses to test questions are submitted using the NEXT button, located at the bottom right of the screen. Scroll down, if necessary.
After clicking the NEXT button, you will not be able to return to the question.
Complete the test until the Test Complete message appears. If you get logged out of the test, you can log back in with the same credentials to continue where you left off.
IMPORTANT: Please note that the following functions are disabled while taking the test:
- Right-click, back button, copy/paste.
- Off-page clicking is not allowed. Clicking outside the test will log you out. You will need a proctor’s assistance to log back in to continue the test.
Reading Section
The Reading section of the test is multiple choice and computer-adaptive, meaning that each new question is selected based on previous responses. Because Avant STAMP for Latin is used to determine language proficiency for test takers who are at Novice, Intermediate and Advanced levels, the Reading section starts out with questions at various levels. If you are at the early stages of language learning, the test may challenge you, but don’t be frustrated if you encounter a topic or words that are unfamiliar to you. Do your best, but keep in mind that an incorrect answer on an unfamiliar topic is okay and provides the system with valuable information needed for determining proficiency.
As your test progresses, you may see easier or more difficult questions based upon your earlier answers. Each test taker will follow a unique path as he/she moves through the test. You will see approximately 30 questions in this section. The Reading section takes, on average, 35-40 minutes to complete. It may take longer for test takers who are getting many higher-level test items, which feature longer reading passages. The speed of your Internet connection can also affect the length of the test.
Here are some tips:
Read the question and answers before you attempt to read the passage (this will help guide your reading and help you move through the test more quickly).
Do not translate each word that you read – translating each word is not reading for comprehension and it will take more time.
If you’re having trouble reading the text in the images on the test, you can enlarge your screen with the following key combinations:
On a Mac: Press the “Command” and “+” keys at the same time
On a Windows/PC: Press the “Control” and “+” keys at the same time
Completing the Assessment
If you are not completing the test in one session, follow the instructions from your teacher or proctor about when to click Stop Test.
You have not completed Avant STAMP for Latin until you see a screen that says “Test Complete.”
If you need to finish the test at another time, plan to do so within 90 days of starting the test (or within the timelines specified by your teacher or proctor).
Resuming the Assessment
To resume a test, click Continue Test after entering the Test Code and Password and re-enter your Login Name exactly as you did the first time. The test should resume at the point where you left off. Contact your test proctor or teacher for assistance if you experience difficulty resuming your test.
After the Assessment
Test results are delivered to the testing administrator after test completion. Test takers should contact their testing administrator to receive test results.
Updated March 2023