Innovating Language Assessment: LTI’s Role

Innovating Language Assessment: The Role of Language Testing International

 

As part of our Associates in Action Campaign, we are excited to showcase the remarkable work of Language Testing International (LTI), an esteemed Eaquals Associate Member. For over 30 years, LTI has been dedicated to helping people worldwide achieve their communication goals through ACTFL’s research-based language assessments and bringing visibility to the multilingual and multicultural communities that they serve.

 

Innovative Language Assessment

 

Since its inception in 1992, LTI has been delivering secure, reliable, and valid ACTFL language proficiency assessments. As the exclusive licensee of ACTFL, LTI administers over one million language tests annually in more than 120 languages across 60+ countries. These assessments, recognized globally by academic institutions, corporations, and governments, adhere to rigorous standards to ensure an accurate measure of one’s ability to speak, read, write, and listen in a language.

In 2023, LTI, in collaboration with ACTFL, introduced a machine-scoring system for the Spanish Presentational Writing component of the ACTFL Assessment of Performance toward Proficiency in Languages (AAPPL), designed for learners in grades 5-12. This innovation underscores LTI’s commitment to advancing language acquisition and assessment research.

 

Global Collaboration through Level Up Village

 

Two years ago, LTI launched a revised platform for its global collaboration product called Level Up Village. Guided by carefully curated content developed by LTI experts, students build communication skills and collaborate with their global peers to explore topics in Arts & Sciences or Languages & Cultures through virtual exchanges. Using our safe and secure online platform, students complete hands-on projects with peers around the world, enhance their understanding of other cultures, strengthen their intercultural communication skills, and gain empathy.

 

Joining the Eaquals Family

 

LTI became an Eaquals Associate Member in 2023, motivated by a desire to align with Eaquals’ dedication to excellence in language education and assessment. This affiliation enhances LTI’s expertise in language test administration and provides access to a network of language professionals, resources, and best practices, reinforcing LTI’s commitment to quality assurance and global collaboration.

 

LTI’s Unique Services and Expertise

 

LTI’s exclusive partnership with ACTFL allows it to offer unique benefits to institutions and educators. Official ACTFL assessments, administered by LTI, are recognized for their reliability and comprehensive evaluation of language proficiency. These assessments facilitate effective teaching strategies and provide valuable certifications that support individuals’ academic, career, and personal goals, hiring decisions, and incentive pay structures, providing tangible and legally defensible evidence of language proficiency to support individuals in their endeavors.

 

LTI’s proprietary platform, Level Up Village (LUV), enables global virtual exchanges, enhancing students’ communication, collaboration, and cultural competencies. This unique service distinguishes LTI from others in the industry and supports the development of global citizenship among students.

By partnering with LTI and utilizing ACTFL assessments and certificates and global virtual exchanges, institutions and educators can ensure that their language programs meet the high standards of proficiency-based assessment and education. This not only enhances the credibility and effectiveness of language instruction but also enables students to demonstrate their language skills with confidence, opening doors to numerous academic and career opportunities.

 

Notable Achievements

 

Over the past three decades, LTI has issued over 5 million language proficiency credentials, aiding individuals in achieving their educational and career objectives. ACTFL assessments, used in language research and curriculum development, provide tangible evidence of language proficiency for academic, governmental, and corporate purposes.

In 2023, LTI launched a machine-scoring system for the AAPPL Spanish Presentational Writing component, demonstrating its commitment to innovation. Additionally, Level Up Village has engaged over a thousand students in collaborative global exchanges, promoting cultural competency and global citizenship.

 

Support for Eaquals Members

 

LTI is committed to offering Eaquals members access to ACTFL’s validated language assessments and providing on-demand webinars on proficiency-based assessments and global virtual exchanges. Special offers and support are available; members can contact LTI at sales@languagetesting.com for more information.

 

Upcoming Initiatives for LTI

 

LTI will soon launch its fall cohorts with Level Up Village, inviting Eaquals members to join this global community. This initiative provides students with opportunities to collaborate on projects with peers worldwide. For more details, visit Level Up Village.

 

Advice for Language Institutions and Educators

 

  • Understand the ACTFL Proficiency Guidelines and Scale to use them to structure language programs and set learning objectives.
  • Integrate ACTFL Assessments: Incorporate these assessments into the curriculum for regular feedback on students’ progress and to certify proficiency upon course completion.
  • Promote Authentic Language Use: Encourage real-life communication scenarios and cultural exchanges through Level Up Village to enhance language skills and cultural competence.
  • Emphasize Cultural Competence: Foster mutual understanding and respect by exploring different cultures and communication styles.

 

LTI’s dedication to quality language assessment and global collaboration continues to shape the future of language education, benefiting institutions, educators, and students worldwide.

“As we look forward to the future, we are excited to continue expanding our technological footprint to support the millions of bilingual and multilingual individuals who would benefit from taking an ACTFL assessment to demonstrate their language proficiency and achieve their academic, career, and personal goals.” Tiziana Aime, CEO of Language Testing International

 

Eaquals is proud to have Language Testing International (LTI) as an Associate Member, showcasing their work in language assessment and global collaboration. LTI’s commitment to excellence aligns with Eaquals’ mission to uphold the highest standards in language education. We look forward to continuing our partnership and supporting LTI in their endeavors to enhance language learning and proficiency worldwide.