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K-12 Webinars (2025)

Moving from Teacher Control to Learners’ Expression 5/1/25
  • Paul Sandrock
  • Description:Let’s reframe how teachers act on the terms “proficiency” and “performance”. What happens when we consider these as two ends of a continuum with proficiency at one end fully independent of any curriculum or instruction and performance at the other end fully dependent on the teacher. Now the task before us as educators is to make sure we move from teacher control to learners’ more independent expression, using language to accomplish meaningful tasks, to prepare learners to confidently use language outside the engineered environment of the classroom. Explore how to use AAPPL data to guide instructional decisions, to identify each learner’s profile of strengths and challenges in different modes, and to strategically connect all modes of communication to develop learners’ proficiency.
Who Put the AI in Latin? 3/27/25
  • Maureen Gassart Lamb
From Scores to Strategies Bringing AAPPL Data to Life in Instruction
  • Jody Lindsay, Alpine School District, Utah

An insightful session on how one Utah school district leverages longitudinal AAPPL data to inform and drive next steps in World Language instruction. This session highlights key strategies for analyzing trends and turning data into actionable steps to improve
student outcomes and guide curriculum development. Whether you’re new to data-driven instruction or looking to refine your approach, this session provides valuable tools and insights in how you look at AAPPL data.

DLI Success with the AAPPL
  • Stacey Vanden Bosch, addalingua

In this webinar, we explore a preparation and testing schedule designed to seamlessly integrate instruction and assessment with the AAPPL. You will learn about how teachers empowered students with meaningful practice activities aligned to each mode of communication, what they communicated with stakeholders pre and post testing, and how they used proficiency data to inform, not only classroom instruction, but also program design. This webinar focuses on practical classroom strategies to improve students’ experience with the AAPPL developed by teachers for teachers.

Unlock the Power of Multilingualism: Boost Your Students' Careers with ACTFL Assessments 5/21/25
  • Amy St.Arnaud

In today’s competitive job market, multilingual skills are a game-changer. Employers actively seek candidates who can communicate across languages, making multilingualism key in determining hiring and career advancement. If your students speak multiple languages, ACTFL assessments can validate their language proficiency and give them a critical edge. Gain actionable strategies from a world language educator at a vocational-technical school who uses ACTFL assessments to empower learners and helps them to stand out as truly College and Career Ready.

Charting Your Course with the AAPPL
  • Christopher Lemon, Spanish Teacher World Language Department Chair at Northmont High School, Ohio

Charting Your Course with the AAPPL with Christopher Lemon, Spanish Teacher World Language Department Chair at Northmont High School, Ohio

K-12 Webinars (2024)

AAPPL in Action: Leveraging Test Data to Drive Instructional Next Steps
  • Jody Lindsay, Alpine School District

This session highlights key strategies for analyzing trends and turning data into actionable steps to improve student outcomes and guide curriculum development. Whether you’re new to data-driven instruction or looking to refine your approach, this session provides valuable tools and insights in how you look at AAPPL data.

Data for Proficiency: Tools and Techniques

  • Amanda Robustelli-Price, Glastonbury Public Schools
Are you seeking ways to harness data into actionable tools to improve student proficiency? Attend this workshop that will take a deep dive into sorting and analyzing data and then using that data to create both a data story and action steps – all focused on helping students to level up their language skills.
The Challenge of Balancing Content and Form
  • Fernando Rubio, Yale Center for Langauge Study

This webinar describes a study of the acquisition of gender and number agreement among Spanish learners enrolled in 4th, 6th, 8th, and 9th grade in an immersion program. Using AAPPL data collected by the State of Utah through its annual assessment of Dual Language Immersion learners, we were able to identify the contexts in which errors typically occur with these features. After presenting the results of the study, we discuss some pedagogical interventions to address the challenge that these grammatical structures pose in a content-based learning environment.

Supporting the Seal of Biliteracy
  • Elizabeth Szylejko, The School District of Philadelphia
The Seal of Biliteracy is one way for us to honor students’ home languages and to encourage our new learners as well. Join us as we show our district’s process as a model for schools or districts of any size who offer – or plan to offer – the Seal of Biliteracy. We’ll provide strategies for planning and promoting the Seal across our schools and options for supporting language testing in linguistically diverse communities.
Student Test Scores in DLI and non-DLI Programs: Telling the Story and What We Can Learn
  • Karl Bowman, Utah State Board of Education
  • Francesco Fratto, Herricks Public Schools

This webinar features Karl Bowman of Utah State Board of Education and Francesco Fratto of Herricks Public Schools. They discuss common concerns around Dual Language Immersion programs, what test data reveals about student achievement in DLI programs, and how they’re using the data to tell a compelling story as they advocate for and build the strength of their programs.

NYSSB and Checkpoint Testing with ACTFL Tests
  • Jennifer Dobberfuhl Quinlan, Language Testing International
As you prepare for checkpoint and Seal of Biliteracy testing, you won’t want to miss this informative webinar. Presenters from Language Testing International gave an overview of state-approved ACTFL assessments, ways to prepare for the tests, what to expect, and how to use testing and test results to increase proficiency in your school/district. Presenters also covered some of the top questions that come up around the AAPPL and other ACTFL tests, as well as held time for open Q&A at the end of the session.

K-12 Webinars (2023)

Language at Work: Making AAPPL Data Actionable
  • Alison LaGarry-Cahoon, Participate Learning
  • Kristin Lowder, Participate Learning
AAPPL Back-to-School Webinar
  • Gosia Jaros-White, Language Testing International
  • Jennifer Quinlan, Language Testing International
  • Kim Sallee, Language Testing International
  • Annie Wendel, Language Testing International
  • Young-A Son, Language Testing International
  • Leonardo Islas, Language Testing International
  • Carlos Mercado, Language Testing International
  • Ethan Spann, Language Testing International
Want even more juicy details about all the exciting updates and news around the AAPPL? This AAPPL Back-to-School webinar focuses on two things: sharing exciting new test developments you’ll see this fall and answering live questions and feedback from you, our AAPPL users. Special guests from LTI’s Academic Product team as well as your local reps are our featured panelists.
Practice Makes Perfect: Building AAPPL-Ready Speaking (and Writing) Skills
  • Chris Lemon, Spanish Teacher, Northmont High School
Learn how AAPPL Educator Panelist Chris Lemon has capitalized on existing AAPPL and ACTFL resources to provide rich practice and reflection opportunities to his students as they prepare for AAPPL testing.
Preparing for the ILS and IR/IL Portions of the AAPPL
  • Emily Huff, Spanish Teacher, Denver High School
Join featured member of the AAPPL Educator Panel Emily Huff as she shares strategies and tips to help teachers and students have a successful experience taking the Interpretive Reading and Listening and the Interpersonal Listening and Speaking portions of the AAPPL test.
 
He will share practical considerations useful for any language teacher or administrator, such as test administration strategies. and what to expect regarding the student experience taking the AAPPL. He’ll also explore why a teacher may want to administer select portions of the AAPPL or the full AAPPL test.
Preparing Students for the AAPPL Presentational Writing
  • Jessica Haxhi, ACTFL Past President
The Presentational Writing tasks on the AAPPL may intimidate students if they have not developed a structure for reading, planning, and writing from prompts. Hear how to scaffold up to the Presentational Writing across every proficiency level. We want students to see the prompts and think, “I got this!”

K-12 Webinars (2022)

Developing and Assessing Student Proficiency Using AAPPL
  • Dr. Nick Ziegler, Technology Integration Specialist and World Language Coordinator, Nebraska’s Educational Service Unit #5 (ESU5)
This webinar is focused on tips to help students develop proficiency as they progress in language programs and prepare for assessment. Dr. Nick Ziegler will share tips for preparing for the AAPPL, how he uses AAPPL scores to inform teaching strategies, and what makes the AAPPL a good match for his program needs.
 
He will share practical considerations useful for any language teacher or administrator, such as test administration strategies. and what to expect regarding the student experience taking the AAPPL. He’ll also explore why a teacher may want to administer select portions of the AAPPL or the full AAPPL test.
Preparing Students for the Seal of Biliteracy with the AAPPL
  • Emily Huff, Spanish Teacher, Denver High School
Preparing students to earn the Seal of Biliteracy is becoming an increasingly important priority for upper-level language classes. This webinar features helpful advice for teachers and districts on implementing the Assessment of Performance toward Proficiency in Languages (AAPPL). Teacher and AAPPL user, Emily Huff will share her experiences using the AAPPL and outline the features of the test. She will also share her plans for how to help students improve their overall proficiency and tips for teachers for guiding students towards demonstrating proficiency in their World Languages classes.

K-12 Webinars (2021)

The AAPPL, Useful Proficiency Data, and a Robust Reporting System
  • Andrew Bowen, Language Testing International
As part of the NECTFL 2021 virtual conference, we contributed this session on the usefulness of the AAPPL and the many data sorting/reporting tools that come along with it. Learn about this ACTFL-developed assessment, the proficiency-based data it renders, and reporting features that include comparison reports (to other students of yours or to national average), longitudinal data reports, and many more!

K-12 Webinars (2020)

Out of School Testing
  • Dr. Leah Graham, Director of Contracts & Certifications, ACTFL
  • Kim Sallee, Director of ACTFL Assessment Product Management, LTI
A full discourse on the at-home testing options offered for ACTFL Assessments.
2020 Seal of Biliteracy
Success Stories
  • Karina Boelter, Teacher, Hudson City School District, Ohio
  • Emily Huff, Teacher, Denver Community Schools, Iowa
  • Nicole Hanlon, Teacher, Buckeye Valley Local School District, Ohio
  • Andrew Bowen, LTI

As part of the virtual CSCTFL event, three language educators shared their personal experiences with the at-home testing options for ACTFL Assessments. Several anecdotes were shared, along with helpful advice for those administering the AAPPL to students in a virtual world.

Awarding the Seal of Biliteracy with ACTFL Assessments
  • Michele Schreiner, World Languages Department Chair, Egg Harbor Township School District, New Jersey
  • Emily Huff, Teacher, Denver Community School District, Iowa
  • Andrew Bowen, LTI

As part of the FLENJ Summer Refresher, two language educators enthusiastically shared their experiences with the AAPPL, ALIRA and OPI/WPT Bundle for Seal of Biliteracy. Languages in which these educators have offered testing range from Spanish and French to Gujarati and Latin.

How 'bout them AAPPLs? The Value of Testing for Proficiency
  • Justin Fisk, World Languages Department Head, Adlai E Stevenson HS District, Illinois
  • Andrew Bowen, LTI

In this new world of online/hybrid education, this school district has awarded more Seals of Biliteracy than ever before thanks to the accessible and easily administered remote testing options for ACTFL Assessments. This District Supervisor recounted his experiences and shared his future plans for testing as a helpful guide for those looking to do the same.

Nationwide Patterns in Seal of Biliteracy Implementation
  • Dr. Margaret E. Malone, Director, Assessment and Evaluation Language Resource Center at Georgetown University
  • Andrew Bowen, LTI

Most of what we know about how the Seal of Biliteracy (SoBL) is being implemented in U.S. high schools comes from case studies of individual states and districts (e.g. Heineke & Davin, 2020). However, in order to highlight broader patterns of implementation from across the U.S., Dr. Margaret E. Malone and Margaret Borowczyk (Assessment and Evaluation Language Resource Center at Georgetown University) share results from a nationwide survey of over 700 teachers and administrators regarding promotion, access, benefits, and drawbacks of the SoBL. The presentation focuses on the perceived effectiveness of different outreach strategies, the content of professional development around the SoBL, the impact on language teaching and assessment practices, and educators’ concerns about access and impact of the initiative.

K-12 Webinars (2019)

The Seal of Biliteracy, and its Implementation in both Public and Private Schools
  • Mary Jo Adams – World Languages Department Chair, Providence Day School, North Carolina
  • Lea Graner-Kennedy, World Languages Department Chair, Stonington Public Schools, Connecticut
  • Andrew Bowen, LTI

A full discourse on the Seal of Biliteracy, its implementation in both private and public schools, and the washback effect observed in language classrooms nationwide. Perspectives from current language educators provided!

The AAPPL as a Catalyst for Change to Proficiency
  • Christi Gilliland, World Languages Department Chair, Williamson County Public Schools, Tennessee
  • Andrew Bowen, LTI

As District World Language Curriculum Specialist, the presenter has attained actionable data that shows exactly where her students fall on the ACTFL Proficiency Scale. She recounts how she uses testing data to adjust curricula, set proficiency goals in classrooms, and observe tangible evidence of those goals being accomplished.

Administering the AAPPL and Implementing the Seal of Biliteracy in your Classroom
  • Jason Noble, Spanish Teacher at Pella Christian High School, Iowa, Past President of Iowa World Language Association

Beginning-to-end proficiency! Mr. Noble provides a ground-up description of how his school adopted a proficiency-focused curriculum and implemented the AAPPL and Seal of Biliteracy.

Data I Can Use After The AAPPL
  • Andy McDonie, French Teacher, Chillicothe High School, Ohio
  • Jen Carson, World Languages Coordinator, Virginia Beach City Public Schools

The shift from a ‘traditional’ grammar-focused curriculum to proficiency-based instruction, results uncovered in students, and the benefits to teachers and administrators district-wide.

Higher Ed Webinars

Implementing the ACTFL Writing Proficiency Test in the Spanish for Heritage Learners' Classroom
  • Dámaris Mayans, Ph.D., Colby College
Using the OPI to Validate Proficiency Benchmarks at the US Air Force Academy
  • Pete Swanson, Ph.D, US Air Force Academy
  • Jean W. LeLoup, Ph.D, US Air Force Academy
  • Jennifer Dobberfuhl Quinlan, LTI

Communicative Language Teaching approaches have helped shift the paradigm of world language teaching and learning. Proficiency testing has now been prioritized where program coordinators and others set proficiency benchmarks for language learners to achieve. In this webinar, researchers at the US Air Force Academy (USAFA) describe their study that examined the oral proficiency of cadets studying Spanish. The aim of the study was to validate the proficiency benchmarks, codified in the Spanish Language Roadmap, which specifies proficiency goals for each of the four years of language study at USAFA.

Transforming Post-Secondary Language Programs
with Proficiency Testing
  • Dr. Le Anne Spino-Seijas, Spanish Instructor and Proficiency Coordinator, The University of Rhode Island
  • Andrew Bowen, LTI

A full discourse on the at-home testing options offered for ACTFL Assessments.


The ACTFL Proficiency Placement Test (APPT)
  • Dr. Meg Malone, Director of Assessment, Research and Development, ACTFL
  • Dr. Camelot Marshall, Principal Assessment Manager, ACTFL
  • Andrew Bowen, LTI
The ACTFL Proficiency Placement Test (APPT) is an all-online, non-proctored, and proficiency-based placement tool developed by ACTFL. Dr. Malone and Dr. Marshall from the ACTFL Center for Assessment, Research and Development detail the content and development of the APPT in this webinar; LTI covers the convenience and ease of the platform used to order assessments, send to students anywhere, and collect valuable proficiency data.
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