--- Forwarded Message from "Perkins, Jonathan" <[log in to unmask]> ---
>Subject: RE: #9209 language proficiency testing
>Date: Sat, 15 Aug 2009 18:28:02 -0500
>Thread-Topic: #9209 language proficiency testing
>Thread-Index: Acod++RnqPs+wWLETx+KQD8brksJdwAALgY5
>References: A<[log in to unmask]>
>From: "Perkins, Jonathan" <[log in to unmask]>
>To: "Language Learning and Technology International Information Forum"
<[log in to unmask]>
Here at the other KU (University of Kansas), we exempt international students
from the foreign language requirement, provided they can do the following:
1) show that the language of instruction in their high school was a language
other than English
2) show requisite knowledge of English to be exempted from our non-credit ESL
classes
Basically, we are willing to stipulate that the student knows a language other
than English, and are requiring English proficiency to meet the foreign language
requirement. This would seem an easy implementation through your ESL Transition
Program.
Jon
P.S. In those cases where we have heritage (and other non-native) speakers
whose first language is English, we follow the same procedure as you describe:
find someone on campus who can certify that the student's knowledge of the FL is
equivalent to someone who has taken four semesters of the language at the
college-level.
-----Original Message-----
From: Language Learning and Technology International Information Forum on behalf
of LLTI-Editor
Sent: Thu 8/13/2009 2:19 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: #9209 language proficiency testing
--- Forwarded Message from "Cobb-Zygadlo, Deanne" <[log in to unmask]> ---
>From: "Cobb-Zygadlo, Deanne" <[log in to unmask]>
>To: <[log in to unmask]>
>Subject: language proficiency testing
>Date: Wed, 12 Aug 2009 10:07:45 -0400
Hi,
The last posting in the archives on this issue appears to have been
from 2006 and so I am hoping that maybe we could revive the discussion.
One of the issues I have been asked to lend a hand in since joining KU
is in determining how best to handle language proficiency testing on
campus. The faculty of Liberal Arts and Sciences has a language
requirement but there is a growing need to recognize the first, second
or third languages of our students who are entering our programs.
Traditionally, with languages that are taught on campus, this would
involve either a computerized language placement/proficiency test or
an interview with a faculty member. For students who speak a language
not taught on campus, the language department has found qualified
individuals with expertise in the language to test the students on a
one-time basis. This is time-consuming and can be costly. And with
an increasing number of students coming in with less commonly taught
languages, it is becoming more and more cumbersome.
Does anyone's university make use of educational transcripts? What
are the policies in place for this? What about languages from areas
of the world which may not produce transcripts?
Does anyone recognize TOEFL scores as evidence of L2? Under what
circumstances?
We are trying to think of inventive means by which to acknowledge our
students prior knowledge through equitable means.
Thanks,
Deanne
-------------------------------------------------------------
Deanne Cobb-Zygadlo
Director, Language Resource Center
Kutztown University of Pennsylvania
phone: 484-646-5865
email: [log in to unmask]
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