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Language Testing

Language Testing

WHY TEST?
 

Students who are proficient in more than one language can earn up to 4-high school credits in each language tested and potentially the Oregon State Seal of Biliteracy (OSSB). The OSSB is an achievement that is noted on the student's high school diploma.

Summit Learning Charter uses and accepts the following state approved assessments for awarding language credit and requesting the OSSB for students: STAMP WS, STAMP 4S, and ALTA.
 

STAMP & ALTA

The STAMP (STAndards-based Measurement of Proficiency) and ALTA Language Services are accepted by the Oregon Department of Education as a credit by examination assessments. They are used to test the progress of students who are enrolled in language classes or heritage speakers who have achieved comparable language proficiency equivalent to that of students after 1-4 years of coursework.

These assessments align with state and national benchmarks. Students are evaluated in reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills. If a student achieves an Intermediate High proficiency or higher in all assessed domains, as outlined in the ACTFL proficiency guidelines, they qualify for the Oregon Seal of Biliteracy. To obtain this seal, students must also fulfill all state and district graduation requirements and demonstrate proficiency in an additional language.

Language Testing FAQs & Things to Know

  • Students enrolled in Summit Learning Charter grades 8-12

  • Testing is completed online or at Summit Learning Charter (30391 OR-211, Eagle Creek, OR 97022)

  • Tests are conducted on a school-provided Chromebook if testing in-person or a personal device if testing remotely

  • The use of dictionaries, textbooks, cell phones, paper, pens, or any other support materials (both paper-based and electronic) is not allowed.

  • Typically between 2 to 4 hours.

  • Test results will be available 10 to 14 school days after completion

    • STAMP tests must be completed within 90 days of the start date and only one retake per test section is allowed.
    • ALTA tests (used for less common languages) do not offer retakes and need to be completed the same day they are started.
    • If you are graduating this year and want the Seal of Biliteracy, remember that all tests, including retakes, should be finished by mid-March.

    • Credit will only be granted for proficiency beyond what the student has already demonstrated in the assessed language.
    • Students proficient in more than one language can earn up to 4-high school RE/EL credits in each language tested and potentially the Oregon State Seal of Biliteracy if an Intermediate High proficiency or higher is achieved in all assessed domains, as outlined in the ACTFL proficiency guidelines.
    • If English is used as the other language, just like any other language, it's important to collect evidence of skills in Reading, Writing, Listening, and Speaking. This may require taking an additional test beyond the OSAS ELA summative test, as the OSAS does not assess all necessary domains.

  • Students aiming to earn the Seal of Biliteracy should complete their testing by mid-March of their graduation year. For students testing for credit only, the testing period extends through April to ensure flexibility.

  • Review the links below before registering for your test. Registration link is at the bottom of this page.

What is the Oregon Seal of Biliteracy?

The State School Board created the Oregon State Seal of Biliteracy (OSSB) to recognize and value the native language/s students speak and bring to their English academic studies, to value language programs in schools, and to encourage students in the study of languages. This award recognizes student proficiency in reading, writing, listening, and speaking in two or more languages.

In just a few years after its inception, the OSSB had already recognized students who speak 47 different primary languages and earned the Biliteracy Seal in over 22 different languages, including Chinuk Wawa, Nez Perce, and Umatilla, three of the languages spoken by students from two of the nine federally recognized Tribes in Oregon. In addition, students who use ASL have also earned the OSSB. The Oregon State Seal of Biliteracy was the first in the nation to collaborate with post-secondary institutions to offer the Seal. A Seal of Multiliteracy (OSSM) has also been added to the program, to honor student proficiency in three or more languages.

ODE is striving to remove barriers so that more districts can offer the OSSB and OSSM, which we hope will continue to form a meaningful addition to the many ways districts validate students' primary languages, as well as recognizing and honoring the work students have done to ready themselves for participation in a multilingual society.

The State of Oregon Seal of Biliteracy features a map of Oregon with a globe inside.

The Seal of Multiliteracy for the State of Oregon, featuring a map of Oregon and a globe.

Interested in Testing?

Click here to register. If you have any questions please email npitsul@summitlc.org.