Modern Language Assessment

Students must complete a year of modern language study as part of the Core Curriculum but are able to advance their study or fulfill the requirement through an evaluation process. If a student is able to demonstrate a language skill comparable  to two semesters of college coursework, the modern language requirement will be fulfilled.

The diversity of the Augsburg student population allows for a variety of possible modern language assessments. Students take the appropriate language testing determined by their language background.

Language testing is done through the Academic Advising Office in Lindell 227 on the second floor of Lindell Library. Please contact the office at 612-330-1025 or advising@augsburg.edu to schedule testing or if you have any questions.

How do I know which Modern Language Assessment is right for me?

*For the purposes of defining English as a primary language and which testing option is appropriate for a student,  the following definition is used. English is defined as being a primary language of the student if the majority of a student’s formal education has been conducted in an English speaking education system. In the US, this would be a minimum of six years in an United States school system.

1.  Students who speak English as a primary language*  and have fewer than two years of high school French, German and Spanish or who plan to take a new language at Augsburg do not need to take the language placement test.

• Students do not need to take any language assessment but are encouraged to do so.

2.  Students who speak English as a primary language*  and have two or more years of high school French, German and Spanish.

• Students will take the Modern Language Placement Test to determine placement into a language course  at the college level.
• Students seeking exemption from the Modern Language requirement need to place into an intermediate level (211) or higher before this exemption can be granted.
• Language testing will be completed in the Academic Advising office.

3.  Students whose primary language is English as defined by the working definition* and are fluent in a language other than English, French, German and Spanish.

• Language testing is available through the ACTFL assessment in over 90 languages.
• If both a Written & Spoken assessment is available in the language, both assessments must be taken and student must reach the Novice High/intermediate Low level on both assessments.  If the scores on the two assessments are scored differently, credit will be given at the lower of the two scores.
• If only a Spoken assessment is available, the student must reach the Intermediate High/Advanced Low level on the spoken assessment.
• The cost of the assessment will be paid by the student.
• Student may also choose to buy the ACE transcript for the results from ACTFL tests and receive transfer credit for an additional cost of $75.00. For further information about Credit by Exam through ACTFL,  go to http://www.augsburg.edu/registrar/examcredit/
• Students register for  the ACTFL assessment through the Academic Advising Office in Lindell 227.

4.  Students whose primary language is NOT English as defined by working definition** and/or by student identification.

• Students whose primary language is not English will be required to take the Michigan Placement Test.
  The Michigan Placement Test assesses preparedness for classes  taught in English.
• A passing grade on the Michigan Test will fulfill the modern language requirement on the Core
  Curriculum.
• Students may also choose to take the ACTFL language tests in their primary language for college credit.

 

Modern Language Assessment Grid