Purpose
Avant Assessments are language assessments given to students who already have proficiency in a language other than English and have not had formal prior instruction in the language. They engage students in real-world content that is leveled according to the topics generally taught at each level of instruction. Throughout the assessment, the questions adjust in their level of difficulty based on the accuracy of student responses. The results from AVANT assessments are used to award World Language credits to students so they can fulfill graduation requirements. AVANT assessments are not used to determine placement for students.
Starting with the graduation class of 2033 (current 5th graders,) the district will administer world language AVANT tests, when requested, to middle school students in the Spring of their 8th grade year. If a student is enrolled in a world language course and considering acceleration, AVANT testing in that language is no longer an option, but a Credit by Exams through Texas Tech or UT is an option.
What languages are offered?
Avant STAMP 4S (Standards-based Measurement of Proficiency)
Avant WorldSpeak (Less Commonly Taught Languages)
Why would my student take this assessment?
Avant Assessments can be used for the following reasons:
Exam for Acceleration (EA): A student may take an Exam for Acceleration (EA) if they are already proficient in a language other than English and have not received formal prior instruction. If he/she scores an 80 or higher (without prior instruction), the student will be granted credit for the tested course and any levels below the tested course. The credit will be transcripted as a "pass" but will not factor into the grade point average calculation.
Credit by Exam (CBE): A student may take a Credit by Exam (CBE) if they need to recover a World Language credit or had formal prior instruction and wish to accelerate. If he/she scores an 70 or higher (with prior instruction), the student will be granted credit for the tested course and any levels below the tested course. The credit will be transcripted as a “pass” but will not factor into the grade point average calculation.
Placement
Exam (PACE): A student may take an assessment to place into a higher level course if they want to continue to pursue learning of a language and have enough proficiency to place in a higher level language course. The skipped lower level course credit will be awarded upon the completion of the higher level course. We currently offer placement tests for Spanish, French only.
When are the exams given?
Avant Assessments are given during the district EA and CBE testing windows. PACE testing is given during Window D- Spring.
How long does the Avant Assessment take?
The online assessment generally takes 1.5-2 hours to complete all components of the test. Students will have up to 3 hours to complete testing.
How can I sign my student up to take an Avant Assessment?
Your student needs to request a CBE/EA Application from his/her counselor on campus.
Where can I find a study guide for the assessment?
AVANT is for students who already speak, read, and understand the language; however, familiarizing your student with the format of the test is appropriate.
Avant STAMP 4S offers some ‘Sample Tests’ where students can preview and practice the format of the assessment.
My student is enrolled in Spanish 1, but wishes to take an EA to get credit for Spanish 2. How can my student sign up for this EA?
Your student is not eligible for the AVANT test because formal prior instruction in the language has been received. Your student could take a CBE through Texas Tech or UT High School to earn credits for higher levels. Please consult your counselor for further guidance.
My student already speaks Spanish, and wishes to place at an appropriate level of this language to continue developing world language skills. What test should my student take?
Your student is eligible to take the PACE (Placement Assessment for Current Enrollment) test during Window D- Spring. This test will most likely place your student in level 2 or 3Adv. Level 3Adv prepares students for Advanced Placement courses in the language. We offer PACE tests in Spanish and French only.
How long does the PACE test take?
This test takes about 45 minutes to an hour to complete. Students are tested in reading, listening, and writing.
Where can I sign my student up for PACE testing?
Your student can request a placement test to either his/her counselor or their World Language Teacher. If the student is enrolled in Spanish or French level 1 but is proficient in these languages, the placement test will help place the student in an appropriate level. Likewise, if your student is already proficient in Spanish or French and wishes to further develop language skills by taking advanced language courses, the PACE test will place the student in an appropriate level.
When can my student take a PACE test?
PACE testing will take place during the Spring testing window (window D). Students who are new to Frisco ISD will be able to take a placement test during the first week of school- this will likely cause schedule changes.
How can I sign up my student for PACE testing?
Your student can request a PACE Application from his/her counselor on campus.