Q: What is the Flap Grant?

A: Grade Eight World Language Proficiency Assessment Project

The project is funded by a $435,000 federal grant that will enable the department to conduct a three-year pilot assessment project in grade eight for world languages.

A:

1. Drive program improvement by assisting districts in determining if their current curricular design will enable Grade 8 students to demonstrate proficiency at the Novice-High level;
2. Form the basis for professional development that focuses on the connection between assessing and teaching for language proficiency;
3. Measure increasing student proficiency in a world language; and
4. Provide baseline data for the development of a revised statewide assessment policy in fall 2008.

Q: How long will the grant/project be in operation? What is the timeline for events?

A: The project will be in operation for 3-years (2006-2008)

• Students will be assessed in spring of 2006, 2007 and 2008.
• Analysis of assessment results will be made available to districts in late spring/early summer.
• Both onsite and online professional development will be available for teachers beginning in January 2006 through June 2008.
• A report will be submitted to the State Board each year of the project. A final summary report of all quantitative and qualitative data will be presented in June 2008 to inform state policy decisions.

Q: Who is involved in the project?

A

• Over 81 districts are involved in the project representing various regions of the state and district factor groups.
• 70,000 eighth grade world language students

Q: How can I get involved with the project? Who do I need to contact to participate?

A: Districts that have not applied to participate in the project and may now be interested, should contact Janis Jensen, Project Director at: janis.jensen@doe.state.nj.us or (609) 777-4658.

Q: What is the STAMP test and how is it being used?

A: STAMP (Standards-based Measurement of Proficiency) is a summative assessment that includes an oral component, and is based on the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages Proficiency Guidelines. STAMP engages students in real-world situations challenged by culturally authentic texts and tasks, and is delivered, graded and reported online by Language Learning Solutions. For more information about the STAMP test, please visit LLS' website at: http://www.onlinells.com

Q: What will you do with the data/information that you collect during the project?

A: Districts may use data on student achievement for:

• Program evaluation
• Program Redesign (of curriculum and assessment to facilitate greater numbers of students meeting the standards)
• Exit testing (Documentation of student proficiency at the Novice-High level to fulfill the high school graduation requirement)

Q: What do I need to have in order to participate in the project?

A: The following elements are necessary for participation in this project:

• Technology: schools/districts that participate must have a recent browser and Internet connection to administer the STAMP.
• Headset microphones are required in order to record student responses. Districts will need to purchase 20-30 headsets to allow for testing classes of students. For districts not already in possession of headsets, the cost per headset is approximately $15. Purchasing information will be provided to participating school districts.
• Levels: Students in districts selected to participate in the assessment program may do so regardless of their level of language study.
• Training: Districts that participate in the assessment project will receive: professional development for teachers that focuses on interpreting assessment results; and professional development that focuses on strategies to overcome any areas of identified need, facilitating program improvement and increasing student achievement.

Q: Who do I need to contact for help/support?

A: For questions about the project and how to participate, please contact Janis Jensen at: janis.jensen@doe.state.nj.us or call (609) 777-4658.

For questions about STAMP or technical support, please contact LLS at: support@onlinells.com or call 888-718-7887.