World Language Credit by Proficiency

Any LWSD student in grades eight through 12 with skills in reading, writing, speaking and listening in a language other than English can earn credit. This includes Running Start students. Students must be able to communicate in all skills to earn credit. Students using American Sign Language may also earn credit. 

Yes. Multilingual learners who are learning English are encouraged to take the test. However, we recommend students take the test when they are at an intermediate level of English language skill - this is because some test instructions will be in English, making the test challenging for beginning English learners.

Any language that has written and spoken forms, as well as American Sign Language.

Students can earn one to four credits depending on the level of proficiency demonstrated on the assessments in reading, writing, listening and speaking. The credits are awarded based on the lowest level of proficiency demonstrated across the four skill areas. The proficiency levels according to the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL) proficiency guidelines are as follows: 

• Novice Mid - One credit
• Novice High - Two credits
• Intermediate Low - Three credits
• Intermediate Mid - Four credits

Click here for more information on the proficiency guidelines and what a Novice, Intermediate and Advanced proficiency means. For writing examples in your language at each proficiency level click here.

We can only accept credit for world language competency tests that were taken through other school districts and transcribed on a high school transcript. These credits would then be transferred to Lake Washington. We are not able to award credit for tests taken through private agencies that provide a test score report.  

The first language test comes at no cost to the student. If a student chooses to retest the following academic year, there will be a fee based on the cost of the assessment. Assessments cost between $25-$185.

We recommend using the following self-assessment to better understand your level of proficiency:

What can you do in your language in each area?

• When I LISTEN in my language:   
  1. I recognize a few memorized words.
  2. I understand basic phrases if they are spoken slowly.
  3. I understand the main idea of short, simple messages.
  4. I understand the main idea on familiar topics. I can understand the radio and TV shows.   
  5. I can understand speeches, conversations, and movies without subtitles.
      
• When I READ in my language: 
  1. I recognize a few memorized words or phrases.  
  2. I understand familiar words and simple sentences, like what I would see on a website.
  3. I can read short, simple everyday texts like menus or short emails.
  4. I understand texts in everyday school language.
  5. I can read and understand articles, poems, stories and books.
      
• When I SPEAK in my language: 
  1. I can talk about very familiar topics using single memorized words or phrases.
  2. I can talk with a person if they repeat things or speak slowly and help me with what I’m trying to say.
  3. I can talk about simple tasks and familiar topics.  I can hand short conversations.
  4. I can go unprepared into any conversation if it’s on a familiar topic.
  5. I can easily talk with native speakers about a variety of topics.
      
• When I WRITE in my language: 
  1. I can copy some familiar words, character or phrases.  
  2. I can write something short and simple like a postcard.  
  3. I can write short, simple messages like a thank you card.
  4. I can write simple texts on familiar topics, like personal letters describing my experiences.  
  5. I can write clearly and with detail about a variety of topics.

Based on your responses, here’s how to figure out how you many credits you may be able to earn on the test:
Credits are calculated using the lowest score of the four skills. Choose the lowest of the scores you gave yourself to predict how you might score on the assessment. This is not a guarantee, but it’s meant to give you an idea of what to expect.

A = Novice Low (0 credits)
B = Novice Mid (One credit)  
C = Novice High (Two credits)
D = Intermediate low to mid (Three credits)
E = Intermediate High and above (Four credits)

There is no negative posting on transcripts or other records.

Students can opt to retest, at their own cost, in the following academic year.

Any current student in grades eight through 12 can test on any of the advertised test dates above. Testing is rotated amongst high schools to provide access to all LWSD high school students. 

Avant tests offer the option to type or handwrite the written section of the test. Students will choose on test day which option best allows them to demonstrate their proficiency. 

ALTA tests are handwritten only. 

ALTA tests are handwritten and don’t require a keyboard. 

For Avant tests, click here for instructions for installing language keyboard on LWSD laptops and devices.

See this keyboard guide for more information, including around pinyin or romaji keyboards. Please note, LWSD devices will not download Chrome extensions, but students can download Google Input Tools – Edge Browser Extension. This Google Input tool must be used in the Edge browser and lets you type in the language of your choice within the Edge browser framework.

All proficiency tests are assessed using the ACTFL Proficiency Levels (Novice, Intermediate, Advanced). 

Avant Rubrics and Benchmarks available here. 

You can practice your skills by reading things you enjoy in the languages you are learning, as well as finding opportunities to write – letters, email, blogging, etc. You can also practice your speaking skills with friends and families that speak the language. In some cases, you may be able to find opportunities in the community to study the language.

Talk to your counselor about options in your school that would work for your schedule.

Additional credit for proficiency earned at the high school level will only be awarded for levels above the credit already earned for class time. If you have earned credit for Spanish for Heritage Learners or Advanced Placement Spanish, French, or Japanese, any credits earned via these programs will be in addition to credits you have earned.

Students are expected to successfully complete, and earn credit in, any language class they are in - credit by proficiency will not be granted for classes they are currently enrolled in.

Spanish-for-Heritage Learners is a different type of language class than other World Language classes; all four proficiency credits can be earned in addition to credits earned through Spanish for Heritage Learners course.

World Language credits will be generated, with unique course names that indicate the language, level, and that it was earned through proficiency. These are “P” credits (Pass credits) and don’t factor into GPA.

Processing test results can take 8-12 weeks.

No. Because proficiency credit does not have a “grade,” it is GPA-neutral.

Yes. Two world language credits in the same language are required to graduate high school. If you earn at least two credits through testing, you will have met graduation requirements. Please note that many colleges now require at least three credits in the same language. Check with individual universities to confirm their requirements. 

Having language proficiency credits on your high school transcript is a valuable addition to any college application.
Not only do proficiency credits attest to a level of proficiency in a world language, but these credits can be used toward meeting the world language admission requirement for many colleges and universities. Furthermore, these credits can be used to fulfill the world language high school graduation requirement.

The Washington State Seal of Biliteracy recognizes public high school graduates who have attained a high level of proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing in one or more world languages in addition to English. The first requirement for the Seal of Biliteracy is that the student is on track to meet English Language Arts graduation requirements and pass the English state assessment. In addition to meeting those criteria, a student can earn the Seal of Biliteracy if they score high enough to earn 4 credits on the World Language Competency test.

Students who earn the Seal of Biliteracy will receive an award letter with a seal that they can choose to affix to their high school diploma.

Six to eight weeks from the date of the test, an email will be sent to the email address provided at the time of test registration, letting you know your test results and how many credits you earned. Score reports will be viewable in Skyward under the Test Results and Portfolio tabs. Directions for access will be included in the email.