A validity argument to support the ACTFL Assessment of Performance Toward Proficiency in Languages (AAPPL). (24th August 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Cox, Troy L.; Malone, Margaret E.
• Is Part Of: Foreign language annals. Volume 51:Number 3(2018)
• Page Start: 548
• Page End: 574
• Publication Date: 2018-08-24
• Subjects: standards‐based teaching -- standards‐based assessment; Languages, Modern -- Study and teaching -- Periodicals; 418.0071
• DOI: 10.1111/flan.12353
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0015-718X

Abstract

Abstract: This article presents evidence for a validity argument on the ACTFL Assessment of Performance Toward Proficiency in Languages (AAPPL) tests (Interpersonal Listening/Speaking, Presentational Writing, Interpretive Listening, and Interpretive Reading) by summarizing an analysis of the 2014 test data from examinations administered in three languages (Chinese, French, and Spanish) to more than 10, 000 students in grades 5 to 12. The specific stages the authors evaluated included the following: (1) the design of the instrument, (2) the effectiveness of the rating scale, (3) the reliability of the instrument, and (4) the extent to which ACTFL proficiency levels were generalizable across languages. As a complete test battery, there is validity evidence that the Assessment of Performance Toward Proficiency can be used to measure the performance of upper elementary, middle, and high school students as they develop increasingly sophisticated language proficiency. The strengths of the examinations are the productive skill areas, whereas the receptive skill areas have been targeted for continuing development. The Challenge: Developing reliable and valid measurement instruments is essential to the effort to use student learning outcomes to guide goal setting, curriculum development, and instruction. To what extent does the Assessment of Performance Toward Proficiency validly assess grade 5 to 12 students' performance? How can validity studies positively influence teaching and learning of world languages?