Topics
English Language Learners
Foreign Language
Testing / Assessment
Foreign Language
Literacy Education
Dialects
Refugee Integration
International Development
Research
Resources
Projects
Services
About CAL
Join Our List
Featured Publication
Refugees from Iraq Book Cover
Email this page
Print this page
Spotlight

Foreign Language Teaching cover
Report From the
National K-12 Foreign Language Survey
NEW!
Learn more about the survey and read the executive summary.
Order online at the CAL Store.

Teacher and student at desk

ATOL Logo
CAL now offers a free online training course that teaches participants about oral proficiency assessment for students learning foreign languages at the secondary, post-secondary, and professional levels. It also serves as an introduction to CAL's SOPI and COPI assessments. Learn more.

National Capital Language Resource Center
CAL is working with Georgetown University and the George Washington University in the operation of a foreign language resource center. Learn more.

National K–12 Foreign Language Resource Center
CAL is continuing to work with the Iowa State University National K–12 Foreign Language Resource Center. Learn more.

Resource Corner

Events
ECOLT Annual Conference
Learn more.

CAL Digests
Browse of our collection of free downloadable digests including our newest assessment digests:

Oral Proficiency Assessment: The Use of Technology in Test Development and Rater Training.

Attaining High Levels of Proficiency: Challenges for Foreign Language Education in the United States

  

Testing / Assessment

Foreign Language Assessments

CAL has a long history of developing operational tests in foreign languages, particularly the less commonly taught languages. Examples of current and past tests appear below.

Testing Products

COPI logoCOPI - the next generation of the SOPI
Now available in Arabic and Spanish, the Computerized Oral Proficiency Instrument (COPI) is a computer-based, semi-adaptive test of Arabic and Spanish oral proficiency. Learn more.

MRTP logoMultimedia Rater Training Program (MRTP)
The Multimedia Rater Training Program (MRTP) is an interactive software program designed to teach professionals to rate oral language proficiency. This computer-assisted professional development program was modeled after live rater training workshops and CAL's self-instructional Rater Training Kits. Learn more about the MRTP.

Simulated Oral Proficiency Interview (SOPI)
The Simulated Oral Proficiency Interview (SOPI) is a type of tape-mediated test of speaking proficiency. All SOPI items are based on the speaking proficiency guidelines of the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL). The test is presented to examinees via a test booklet and a master tape. It can be administered individually by anyone using two tape recorders. It can also be used in a language laboratory setting to test groups. Learn more.

Resources focus on language proficiency assessment in Grades K-8
CAL offers innovative language proficiency assessment instruments designed to allow young students to demonstrate their highest level of performance in oral fluency, grammar, vocabulary and listening comprehension. Professional development workshops for the SOPA, ELLOPA, and COPE provide training for educators on the effective use of these assessments. SOPA Online Training courses teach participants how to administer and rate students’ oral language using the SOPA. Learn more.

SOPA Online Training Logo SOPA Online Training now available
CAL offers a variety of online training courses that teach participants how to administer and rate students’ oral language using the Student Oral Proficiency Assessment (SOPA). CAL now offers Introduction to SOPA, the Moderated Introduction to SOPA, and Rating the SOPA. Learn more.

Proficiency Tests
CAL's language proficiency tests are designed to measure the general proficiency levels in listening and reading attained by English-speaking learners of a foreign language. The tests consist of 100 to 150 four-option multiple-choice questions; the exact number varies by test. Proficiency tests are available in Arabic, Chinese, and Polish. To order online, visit the CAL Store.


Oral Proficiency Assessment: The Use of Technology in Test Development and Rater Training
Since 1986, CAL has investigated and initiated a number of approaches to oral proficiency assessment that rely on semi-direct measures and new technologies. This digest describes ways to use technology to improve test development and administration and to improve the training of raters. Download a free copy of this publication.