Course

Course Summary

Credit Type:

Exam

ACE ID:

ACTF-0024

Organization:

ACTFL

Dates Offered:

Credit Recommendation & Competencies

In the lower division baccalaureate/associate degree category, 2 semester hours in Foreign Language (Novice High/Intermediate Low); Or in the lower division baccalaureate/associate degree category, 4 semester hours(Intermediate Mid); Or in the lower division baccalaureate/associate degree category, 6 semester hours (Intermediate High/Advanced Low); Or in the lower division baccalaureate/associate degree category, 8 semester hours and in the upper division degree category, 2 semester hours (Advanced Mid); Or in the lower division baccalaureate/associate degree category, 8 semester hours and in the upper division degree category 4 semester hours (Advanced High/Superior).

Description

Objective:

The ACTFL OPIc is a semi-direct test of spoken language proficiency designed to elicit a 20 to 30 minute sample of ratable speech delivered via the Internet. The candidate's spoken responses are digitally recorded and saved. Each test is unique and individualized through the selection of tasks within topic areas tailored to each test taker's linguistic ability, work experience, academic background, and interests. The elicited speech sample is then compared to the descriptors contained in the ACTFL guidelines, and a rating is assigned. Each digitally recorded test is rated by a minimum of two ACTFL Certified OPIc Raters. The two ratings must agree on the level in order for a final rating to be assigned. Any rating discrepancy is arbitrated by a third tester. The OPIc is offered in English and Spanish, with new languages to be added. Upward of 100,000 OPIcs are conducted annually.

Skills Measured:

The OPIc is a global assessment that measures language holistically by determining patterns of strengths and weaknesses, establishing a speaker's level of consistent functional ability within the Novice Low to Advanced Low range of proficiency, and compared to the ACTFL Proficiency Guidelines-Speaking (Revised 1999). Though holistically rated, there are four major categories of assessment criteria on which ratings are focused-the global tasks/functions performed with the language, the social context and content areas in which the language can be used, the accuracy features which define how well the speaker performs the task pertinent to those contexts and content areas, and the oral text type (from individual words to extended discourse) produced.

Instruction & Assessment