With Seal of Biliteracy Programs Expanding, Avant Assessment Announces Polish Proficiency Test;
Test Recently Launched In Michigan And Will Be New Option for States With Large Polish Populations
EUGENE, OR (February 18, 2018) – As the number of states and school districts offering “Seal of Biliteracy” programs is increasing rapidly across the country, students studying Polish will for the first time will be able to demonstrate their proficiency in in the language based on a new test established by Avant Assessment, the company announced today.
Avant Assessment, the leading world language proficiency testing company, announced that it will now offer a Polish language assessment option for local schools. The test will be offered for the first time in Michigan schools this spring. Up until now, there has been no way for Polish-Americans or other students to demonstrate their proficiency in the Polish language.
There are approximately 10 million Polish-Americans in the United States, and at least 30,000 students estimated to be studying the Polish language, with Michigan, Illinois, and New York counting the largest populations.
“In today’s global economy and multicultural society, language skills are as valuable as math and science,” Avant founder and CEO David Bong said. “There are thousands of students who have mastered Polish as a second language, but previously had no way to demonstrate their proficiency and highlight it as a marketable skill for colleges or future jobs. Our test will allow those students to document their Polish language proficiency for the first time.”
The Polish Mission of the Orchard Lake Schools in Michigan has been working with Avant Assessment to implement the Polish language proficiency assessment for the first time in the country.
The Seal of Biliteracy is an award given by school districts to students who have achieved a level of proficiency in two or more languages by the time of their high school graduation. This is a life-long award that serve as a proof-point to colleges or employers of a students’ language skills. In order to receive the Seal, students must demonstrate a level of proficiency by an approved assessment program.
Avant Assessmentis the country’s leading provider of language proficiency assessments, which provide a true picture of a student’s real world language skills. Currently, the Avant STAMP assessment is offered in 14 languages and utilized around the world by schools, colleges and universities. Proficiency testing does not allow for teaching to a test, but instead gives teachers and schools accurate data to improve their programs and learning outcomes.
Unlike other assessments, Avant technology also does not require teachers to place students into designated testing paths before they start, allowing students to reach their true skill level without any prior restrictions placed on them.
About Avant
Founded in Eugene, Oregon at the University of Oregon, Avant Assessment is the leading world language proficiency program. At Avant, we believe we can change the world through language proficiency. Our tests are designed to offer a true picture of a student’s language abilities, and support teachers in their work to help students reach their potential.
https://www.avantassessment.com/
