About Avant STAMP WS
Avant created the STAMP WS language proficiency test to meet the growing need for heritage language communities to have rigorous, professionally scored, and affordable assessments. STAMP WS measures Writing and Speaking proficiency levels based on the ACTFL Proficiency Guidelines. Programs use Avant STAMP WS: to qualify for the Seals of Biliteracy, award Competency-Based Credits, and to analyze testing data to improve curricula and introduce appropriate professional learning to improve proficiency outcomes.
Year after year, Avant has regularly released new STAMP WS language proficiency tests and continues to do so. We are seeking language community partners that can work with us to add more languages.
STAMP WS Languages & Sample Tests
STAMP WS (2-skill) assesses Writing and Speaking in 37 languages for ages 13+.
- Amharic
- Armenian
- Bengali
- Cabo Verdean
- Chaldean (Speaking only)
- Chin (Hakha)
- Chuukese
- Czech
- Filipino (Tagalog)
- Greek
- Haitian Creole
- Hawaiian (‘Ōlelo Hawai’i)
- Hmong
- Ilocano
- Kannada
- Khmer
- Marathi
- Marshallese
- Nepali
- Pashto
- Persian-Farsi
- Punjabi
- Samoan
- Somali Maay Maay
- Somali Maxaa
- Swahili (3-Skill)
- Tamil
- Telugu
- Thai
- Tigrinya
- Turkish
- Ukrainian
- Urdu
- Vietnamese
- Yoruba (3-Skill)
- Yup’ik
- Zomi
Benefits
Measure Growth
By delivering accurate data on students’ real-world language proficiency levels, Avant STAMP WS facilitates progress monitoring through measurement of individual, group and program growth.
Gauge Program Quality
Avant STAMP WS provides constructive analysis and data for program development, enabling educators to improve language learning outcomes and make more informed decisions on curriculum and training.
Seals of Biliteracy
Avant STAMP WS qualifies learners of less commonly tested and heritage languages for State and Global Seals of Biliteracy. These credentials can be placed on college applications, resumes, and qualify employees for workplace responsibilities.
Recommended for College Credit
Avant STAMP is recommended for college credit by the American Council on Education (ACE), the same educational body that has provided credit recommendations to institutions of higher education for College Board Advanced Placement (AP) Examinations, Cambridge Assessments, and ACT subject tests. This provides opportunities for students to earn credit or be placed in higher-level courses to advance their language skills.
Universities across the U.S. are recognizing Avant STAMP and creating pathways to higher education for language learners everywhere.
Features
The Avant STAMP WS language proficiency test is a semi-adaptive test. Test takers will be asked to answer seven self-evaluation questions that best represent their skill/ability level in both the Reading and Listening sections.
The self-evaluated reading score is used to determine the level of prompt delivered for the Writing section. The same applies to the listening self-evaluation related to the Speaking prompts. This allows the language productive sections to be more appropriately leveled for the test taker. STAMP WS provides the same detailed reporting of levels as Avant’s other assessments.
Aligned to the Internationally Recognized Proficiency Standards
Avant’s assessments utilize actual authentic texts and audio you would encounter in the real world such as articles, advertisements, and news. Avant proficiency tests are aligned to US proficiency standards.
Fast and Easily Accessible Results
Avant STAMP WS Writing and Speaking responses are scored by Avant Certified Raters in 10-12 business days.
Integrated with Clever and ClassLink
Clever and ClassLink are single sign-on (SSO) integrations that make rostering your test takers quick, easy, and more secure. Using these integrations means profile information is consistent. This ensures the ability to compare learner test results quickly and efficiently.
Cross-Device Solutions
All of Avant’s testing products are compatible with most browsers and devices, including iPads (iOS version 12+) and Chromebooks, to give you more flexibility when testing.
Note: iPads/tablets may not be used with AvantProctor. Test takers must have a computer, laptop, or Chromebook for this service.
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.
User Guide Resources
Already testing with Avant STAMP WS? Avant offers all the materials necessary to ensure your testing goes as smoothly as possible, from setting up the technology to viewing your reports.
How can we help?
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