World Language Certificate and Bilingual and Multilingual Seal Overview
-
Registration for the Bilingual Seal test dates will be open from October 1, 2024 - October 31, 2024. Students can enroll to take the Bilingual Seal Assessment HERE. The fall test date is Saturday, November 16th from 12:00p to 4:00pm at Champlin Park High School. The spring test date will be Saturday, May 17th, 2025 with additional details to be released after January 1st, 2025. Tests can take between 2-4 hours to complete and students will only need to test on one of the test dates. Students will need to provide their own transportation to and from the test site.
Students need to bring their chromebook or a personal computer and headphones to the exam. School sites will have a limited number of headphone sets available on a first come, first serve basis.
Cost: Students taking the AAPPL Bilingual Seal Exams (Arabic, Chinese (Mandarin), English, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, Russian, and Spanish) will incur a testing fee of $30.00 ($10.00 for students on free and reduced lunch.)
For the 2024-2025 School Year the State of Minnesota received a grant from the Securian Financial Foundation to cover the cost of Extempore exams for the following languages: Amharic, Dakota/Lakota, Hmong, Karen, Ojibwe, Oromo, Somali, Vietnamese. There will be no cost to take the Bilingual Seal for these languages this school year.
Hybrid Format Exams are available in: Swahili, Ukrainian, Tamil, Dari, and Pashto. These tests will incur a fee of $30.00 ($10.00 for students on free and reduced lunch.)
Exams can be paid for through the Parent Vue, School Pay application on the parent's Anoka-Hennepin Lock and Key.
The Minnesota World Language Proficiency Certificate and Bilingual and Multilingual Seals were created by the state of Minnesota as an official recognition of proficiency in a language in addition to English. Students who prove their proficiency, either through study or as native speakers, will have a notation entered on their high school transcript to reflect their functional abilities in the language. Additionally, college credit can be awarded to students who attend or transfer to Minnesota State Colleges and Universities and select other postsecondary institutions within three years of graduation from the Anoka-Hennepin school district. *Note: Minnesota State Colleges and Universities award college credit only when the test was taken in grades 10, 11, or 12. Therefore; it is NOT recommended to take an assessment in 9th grade if the goal is to obtain college credit.
The Minnesota Department of Education provides support to Anoka-Hennepin regarding the world languages program. A frequently asked questions document includes basic information for students interested in pursuing the certificate and/or seal.
Types of awards
-
World Language Proficiency Certificate
To earn this certificate, students must demonstrate reading, writing, listening, and speaking proficiency in a language other than English. Students accomplish this by taking a language proficiency assessment approved by the Minnesota Department of Education. This certificate is available to all high school students regardless of their current grade, although the district strongly suggests students wait to take the exam until their sophomore year in school, due to the fact that 9th graders are ineligible for the higher awards regardless of their performance on the exam. The World Language Proficiency Certificate will be awarded at the end of the academic year when a student demonstrates their language proficiency, and a notation indicating the certificate will appear on the student’s official high school transcript. This award certifies the student's abilities only in the language of the test. At a participating college or university, it replaces 2 semesters of a college-level language course or up to 10 credits.
-
Bilingual and Multilingual Seals
To earn a seal, students must satisfactorily complete all required English Language Arts credits in their high school, in addition to demonstrating reading, writing, listening, and speaking proficiency in another language through a language proficiency assessment approved by the Minnesota Department of Education. The seal can be earned by students in 10th, 11th or 12th grade, and is awarded upon graduation from the Anoka-Hennepin school district. A notation indicating the seal earned will appear on the student’s official high school transcript. This award certifies the student's abilities in both the language of the test and in English.
There are two types of Bilingual Seals that reflect the level of proficiency that a student has achieved: Gold and Platinum. At a participating college or university, a gold level seal replaces 3 semesters of a college-level language course or up to 15 credits, whereas a platinum level seal replaces 4 semesters of a college-level language course, or up to 20 credits.
What is proficiency?
-
Proficiency, Explained
The state of Minnesota uses the American Council of Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL) Proficiency Guidelines as a basis for awarding world language certificates or bilingual seals. The ACTFL Guidelines describe of what individuals can do with language in terms of speaking, writing, listening, and reading in real-world situations in a spontaneous and non-rehearsed context, and these guidelines are arranged on a scale from novice to distinguished.
-
What level of proficiency do I need to earn a World Language Certificate?
To earn a World Language Certificate (equivalent to 2 semesters or up to 10 college credits) students should have a minimum of an Intermediate low ACTFL rating in all four language skills. This corresponds a score of a 3 on an Advanced Placement (AP) exam or the score of a 3 on the International Baccalaureate (IB) standard level exam.
- In Interpretive Communication
- I can identify the topic and related information from simple sentences in short informational and fictional texts, as well as in short conversations.
- In Interpersonal Communication
- I can request and provide information in conversations on familiar topics by creating simple sentences and asking appropriate follow-up questions.
- I can interact with others to meet my basic needs in familiar situations by creating simple sentences and asking appropriate follow-up questions.
- I can express, ask about, and react with some details to preferences, feelings, or opinions on familiar topics, by creating simple sentences and asking appropriate follow-up questions.
- In Presentational Communication
- I can present personal information about my life, activities and events, using simple sentences.
- I can express my preferences on familiar and everyday topics of interest and explain why I feel that way, using simple sentences.
- I can present on familiar and everyday topics, using simple sentences.
- In Interpretive Communication
-
What level of proficiency do I need for a Gold Bilingual Seal?
To earn a Gold Bilingual Seal (equivalent to 3 semesters or up to 15 college credits) students should have a minimum of an Intermediate High ACTFL rating in all four language skills. This corresponds to a score of a 4 on an Advanced Placement (AP) exam or the score of a 4 or 5 on the International Baccalaureate (IB) standard level exam.
- In Interpretive Communication
- I can usually follow the main message in various time frames in straightforward, and sometimes descriptive, paragraph length informational and fictional texts, as well as in conversations and discussions.
- In Interpersonal Communication
- I can exchange information in conversations and some discussions on a variety of familiar and some concrete topics that I have researched, using connected sentences that may combine to form paragraphs and asking a variety of questions, often across various time frames.
- I can interact with others to meet my needs in a variety of situations, sometimes involving a complication, using connected sentences that may combine to form paragraphs and asking a variety of questions, often across various time frames.
- I can explain preferences, opinions, and emotions and provide advice on a variety of familiar and some concrete topics that I have researched, using connected sentences that may combine to form paragraphs and asking a variety of questions, often across various time frames.
- In Presentational Communication
- I can tell stories about school and community events and personal experiences, using a few short paragraphs, often across various time frames.
- I can state my viewpoint on familiar or researched topics and provide reasons to support it, using a few short paragraphs, often across various time frames.
-
I can give detailed presentations on a variety of familiar topics and some concrete topics I have researched, using a few short paragraphs, often across various time frames.
- In Interpretive Communication
-
What level of proficiency do I need for a Platinum Bilingual Seal?
To earn a Platinum Bilingual Seal (equivalent to 4 semesters or up to 20 college credits) students should have a minimum of an Advanced Low ACTFL rating in all four language skills. This corresponds to a score of a 5 on an Advanced Placement (AP) exam or the score of a 6 or 7 on the International Baccalaureate (IB) standard level exam, or a 4+ on the IB higher level exam.
- In Interpretive Communication
- I can identify the underlying message and some supporting details across major time frames in descriptive informational texts.
- I can follow the main story and some supporting detail across major time frames in fictional texts.
- I can understand the main message and some supporting details across major time frames in conversations and discussions.
- In Interpersonal Communication
- I can exchange information and ideas in discussions on a variety of familiar and concrete academic and social topics, using a few simple paragraphs across major time frames.
- I can interact and negotiate to resolve an unexpected complication that arises in a familiar situation, using a few simple paragraphs across major time frames.
- I can maintain conversations by providing explanations and comparisons of preferences, opinions, and advice on familiar and concrete academic and social topics using a few simple paragraphs across major time frames.
- In Presentational Communication
- I can tell stories about school and community events and personal experiences, using paragraphs across major time frames.
- I can state a viewpoint with supporting evidence on some concrete academic, social and professional topics of interest using paragraphs across major time frames.
- I can deliver presentations on some concrete academic, social and professional topics of interest, using paragraphs across major time frames.
- In Interpretive Communication
Testing
-
What tests are accepted by the Minnesota Department of Education?
There is a wide array of language proficiency tests that are accepted by the Minnesota Department of Education for the purpose of awarding a world language certificate or a bilingual seal. Anoka-Hennepin offers Advanced Placement (AP) language exams, International Baccalaureate Diploma Program (IBDP) exams, ACTFL Assessment of Performance Toward Proficiency in Languages (AAPPL) exams, and Minnesota Bilingual Seals Assessments at various times throughout the school year. Which test an individual ought to take depends on the language of the test, their high school coursework, and test availability in any given year.
A complete list of the assessments approved by the Minnesota Department of Education is available on their website.
-
When is the next test date?
Registration for the November 2024 Bilingual Seal exams will be open from October 1st, 2024 – October 31st, 2024.
The November tests dates are Saturday, November 16th and Sunday, November 17th. Any student may register to test on any date or location regardless the school they attend, however, students must provide their own transportation to and from the test site.
Students, you will only test on one of these dates. If you would like to improve your score, you may test again the following school year.
-
How do I register to test?
The test registration process for Spring 2024 will have three steps:
- Fill out the online registration form that will collect all of the student's personal information that the school needs to buy their language test. Use an Anoka-Hennepin Google account. Unfortunately, we cannot accommodate students outside of the district at this time.
- For students taking the AAPPL test, please pay for the test using the parent or guardian's ParentVue account associated with the student. Detailed instructions are available here. The cost is $30.00 per assessment, or $10.00 if the student receives free or reduced-price lunch. The cost of the test will appear as $30 until it is added to one's cart and the checkout button is selected.
AAPPL Test Languages: Arabic, Chinese (Mandarin), English, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, Russian, and Spanish
There is no fee for students taking the Extempore Exam for the 2023-2024 school year due to a grant that the Minnesota Department of Education received from the Securian Financial Foundation.
Extempore Test Languages: Amharic, Dakota/Lakota, Hmong, Karen, Ojibwe, Somali, and Vietnamese.
- A confirmation email will be sent to the student and family no later than May 3rd, 2024 once the test date and location are finalized.
Languages currently available
-
Amharic
There is currently only one exam for Amharic available and it was developed by the Minnesota Department of Education for the purpose of the bilingual seal. It includes test sections to measure a student's ability in speaking, reading, writing, and listening. Go to the Testing section of this webpage to find the next available test date.
Assessment Format
The assessment is taken online by computer and proctored by a trained individual in the room with the test taker. Google Chrome is the recommended web browser. The exam has several parts:
- Reading- This section consists of 6 passages with 4 multiple choice questions per passage, for a total of 24 questions. This portion of the exam is not timed.
- Listening- This section consists of 6 passages with 4 multiple choice questions per passage, for a total of 24 questions. This portion of the exam is not timed.
- Speaking (Part 1)- There will be 3 topics with 3 prompts, for a total of 9 responses. Students will have 90 seconds to respond to each prompt.
- Speaking (Part 2)- There will be 3 topics with 3 prompts, for a total of 9 responses. Students will have 150 seconds to respond to each prompt.
- Writing (Part 1)- This section consists of 3 prompts with 1 writing response for each. Students have a 7-minute time limit per response.
- Writing (Part 2)- This section consists of 3 prompts with 1 writing response for each. Students have a 10-minute time limit per response.
Preparing to Test
Worried about technology problems? Run the technology check on your computer to make sure everything is working correctly.
Do you want to practice? Here is a link to a website with a writing and speaking practice test; it is located under the "Avant WorldSpeak" heading. Unfortunately, the Minnesota Department of Education does not have any practice reading or listening tests available.
Need help changing your Chromebook's keyboard? Here are instructions.
-
Arabic
Anoka-Hennepin currently offers the AAPPL exam for Arabic speakers to earn the world language certificate or bilingual seal. It includes test sections to measure a student's ability in speaking, reading, writing, and listening. Go to the Testing section of this webpage to find the next available test date.
Assessment Format
The assessment is taken online by computer and proctored by a trained individual in the room with the test taker. Google Chrome is the recommended web browser. The exam has several parts:
- Interpretive Listening- This section consists of 3 intermediate level tasks and 3 advanced level tasks with a few questions for each task. Students will take 30-40 minutes to complete this portion of the exam.
- Interpretive Reading- This section consists of 3 intermediate level tasks and 3 advanced level tasks with a few questions for each task. Students will take 30-40 minutes to complete this portion of the exam.
- Interpersonal Listening and Speaking- This section consists of 3 intermediate level tasks and 3 advanced level tasks. Students will watch and listen to a video prompt and record an audio response for each task and should attempt to add as much as they can to the conversation. They will have a 45 second recording to respond to the intermediate prompts and a 75 second recording to respond to the advanced level prompts. Their recording begins as soon as the video prompt ends.
- Presentational Writing- This section consists of 3 intermediate level tasks and 3 advanced level tasks. Students will take 30-40 minutes to complete this portion of the exam.
Preparing to Test
Worried about technology problems? Run the AAPPL System Check on your computer to make sure everything is working correctly.
Do you want to practice? Here is a link to a demo for each of the four test sections. (Note: The practices are shorter than the full exam and do not necessarily include advanced level questions.) Be sure to click on the "Form B", or farthest column, for the appropriate practice.
Need help changing your Chromebook's keyboard? Here are instructions.
-
Dakota/Lakota
There is currently only one exam for Dakota/Lakota available and it was developed by the Minnesota Department of Education for the purpose of the bilingual seal. It includes test sections to measure a student's ability in speaking, reading, writing, and listening. Go to the Testing section of this webpage to find the next available test date.
Assessment Format
The assessment is taken online by computer and proctored by a trained individual in the room with the test taker. Google Chrome is the recommended web browser. The exam has several parts:
- Reading- This section consists of 6 passages with 4 multiple choice questions per passage, for a total of 24 questions. This portion of the exam is not timed.
- Listening- This section consists of 6 passages with 4 multiple choice questions per passage, for a total of 24 questions. This portion of the exam is not timed.
- Speaking (Part 1)- There will be 3 topics with 3 prompts, for a total of 9 responses. Students will have 90 seconds to respond to each prompt.
- Speaking (Part 2)- There will be 3 topics with 3 prompts, for a total of 9 responses. Students will have 150 seconds to respond to each prompt.
- Writing (Part 1)- This section consists of 3 prompts with 1 writing response for each. Students have a 7-minute time limit per response.
- Writing (Part 2)- This section consists of 3 prompts with 1 writing response for each. Students have a 10-minute time limit per response.
Preparing to Test
Worried about technology problems? Run the technology check on your computer to make sure everything is working correctly.
Unfortunately, the Minnesota Department of Education does not have any practice of this test available. It is possible to find content online to read and listen to in order to study. Additionally, you may consider looking at the English practice speaking and writing test, located under the "Avant WorldSpeak" heading, to see what the questions will look like.
Need help changing your Chromebook's keyboard? Here are instructions.
-
Dari
-
French
Anoka-Hennepin currently offers the AAPPL exam for French speakers to earn the world language certificate or bilingual seal. Additionally, some high schools in the district offer Advanced Placement (AP) French or International Baccalaureate (IB) French which can be used to proove proficiency as well. Speak with your classroom teacher or guidance counselor to see which testing option makes the most sense for you. All of these exams include test sections to measure a student's ability in speaking, reading, writing, and listening. Go to the Testing section of this webpage to find the next available test date.
Assessment Format
The AAPPL assessment is taken online by computer and proctored by a trained individual in the room with the test taker. Google Chrome is the recommended web browser. The exam has several parts:
- Interpretive Listening- This section consists of 3 intermediate level tasks and 3 advanced level tasks with a few questions for each task. Students will take 30-40 minutes to complete this portion of the exam.
- Interpretive Reading- This section consists of 3 intermediate level tasks and 3 advanced level tasks with a few questions for each task. Students will take 30-40 minutes to complete this portion of the exam.
- Interpersonal Listening and Speaking- This section consists of 3 intermediate level tasks and 3 advanced level tasks. Students will watch and listen to a video prompt and record an audio response for each task and should attempt to add as much as they can to the conversation. They will have a 45 second recording to respond to the intermediate prompts and a 75 second recording to respond to the advanced level prompts. Their recording begins as soon as the video prompt ends.
- Presentational Writing- This section consists of 3 intermediate level tasks and 3 advanced level tasks. Students will take 30-40 minutes to complete this portion of the exam.
Preparing to Test
Worried about technology problems? Run the AAPPL System Check on your computer to make sure everything is working correctly.
Do you want to practice? Here is a link to a demo for each of the four test sections. (Note: The practices are shorter than the full exam and do not necessarily include advanced level questions.) Be sure to click on the "Form B", or farthest column, for the appropriate practice.
Need help changing your Chromebook's keyboard? Here are instructions.
-
German
Anoka-Hennepin currently offers the AAPPL exam for German speakers to earn the world language certificate or bilingual seal. Additionally, some high schools in the district offer Advanced Placement (AP) German or International Baccalaureate (IB) German which can be used to proove proficiency as well. Speak with your classroom teacher or guidance counselor to see which testing option makes the most sense for you. All of these exams include test sections to measure a student's ability in speaking, reading, writing, and listening. Go to the Testing section of this webpage to find the next available test date.
Assessment Format
The AAPPL assessment is taken online by computer and proctored by a trained individual in the room with the test taker. Google Chrome is the recommended web browser. The exam has several parts:
- Interpretive Listening- This section consists of 3 intermediate level tasks and 3 advanced level tasks with a few questions for each task. Students will take 30-40 minutes to complete this portion of the exam.
- Interpretive Reading- This section consists of 3 intermediate level tasks and 3 advanced level tasks with a few questions for each task. Students will take 30-40 minutes to complete this portion of the exam.
- Interpersonal Listening and Speaking- This section consists of 3 intermediate level tasks and 3 advanced level tasks. Students will watch and listen to a video prompt and record an audio response for each task and should attempt to add as much as they can to the conversation. They will have a 45 second recording to respond to the intermediate prompts and a 75 second recording to respond to the advanced level prompts. Their recording begins as soon as the video prompt ends.
- Presentational Writing- This section consists of 3 intermediate level tasks and 3 advanced level tasks. Students will take 30-40 minutes to complete this portion of the exam.
Preparing to Test
Worried about technology problems? Run the AAPPL System Check on your computer to make sure everything is working correctly.
Do you want to practice? Here is a link to a demo for each of the four test sections. (Note: The practices are shorter than the full exam and do not necessarily include advanced level questions.) Be sure to click on the "Form B", or farthest column, for the appropriate practice.
Need help changing your Chromebook's keyboard? Here are instructions.
-
Hebrew
Anoka-Hennepin currently offers the STAMP 4S exam for Hebrew speakers to earn the world language certificate or bilingual seal. It includes test sections to measure a student's ability in speaking, reading, writing, and listening. Go to the Testing section of this webpage to find the next available test date.
Assessment Format
The assessment is taken online by computer and proctored by a trained individual in the room with the test taker. Google Chrome is the recommended web browser. The exam has several parts:
- Listening- This section consists of approximately 30 multiple choice questions.
- Reading- This section consists of approximately 30 multiple choice questions.
- Speaking- This section consists of 3 prompts. Students will watch and listen to a video prompt and record an audio response for each and should attempt to add as much as they can to the conversation.
- Writing- This section consists of 3 prompts.
According to Avant's website, "STAMP 4S is computer-adaptive, meaning that the level of question difficulty that a student is presented with is based on the number of correct answers they have logged so far in the assessment. The testing engine automatically adapts to each student's level, up or down, as the test progresses. In addition, prompts for the productive skills (Writing and Speaking) are based on the proficiency level attained for the corresponding receptive skills (Reading and Listening)."
Preparing to Test
Worried about technology problems? Run the Technology Check on your computer to make sure everything is working correctly.
Do you want to practice? Here is a link to a sample test for each of the four test sections. (Note: The practices are shorter than the full exam.)
Need help changing your Chromebook's keyboard? Here are instructions.
-
Hindi
Anoka-Hennepin currently offers the AAPPL exam for Hindi speakers to earn the world language certificate or bilingual seal. It includes test sections to measure a student's ability in speaking, reading, writing, and listening. Go to the Testing section of this webpage to find the next available test date.
Assessment Format
The assessment is taken online by computer and proctored by a trained individual in the room with the test taker. Google Chrome is the recommended web browser. The exam has several parts:
- Interpretive Listening- This section consists of 3 intermediate level tasks and 3 advanced level tasks with a few questions for each task. Students will take 30-40 minutes to complete this portion of the exam.
- Interpretive Reading- This section consists of 3 intermediate level tasks and 3 advanced level tasks with a few questions for each task. Students will take 30-40 minutes to complete this portion of the exam.
- Interpersonal Listening and Speaking- This section consists of 3 intermediate level tasks and 3 advanced level tasks. Students will watch and listen to a video prompt and record an audio response for each task and should attempt to add as much as they can to the conversation. They will have a 45 second recording to respond to the intermediate prompts and a 75 second recording to respond to the advanced level prompts. Their recording begins as soon as the video prompt ends.
- Presentational Writing- This section consists of 3 intermediate level tasks and 3 advanced level tasks. Students will take 30-40 minutes to complete this portion of the exam.
Preparing to Test
Worried about technology problems? Run the AAPPL System Check on your computer to make sure everything is working correctly.
Do you want to practice? Here is a link to a demo for each of the four test sections. (Note: The practices are shorter than the full exam and do not necessarily include advanced level questions.) Be sure to click on the "Form B", or farthest column, for the appropriate practice.
Need help changing your Chromebook's keyboard? Here are instructions.
-
Hmong
There is currently only one exam for Hmong available and it was developed by the Minnesota Department of Education for the purpose of the bilingual seal. It includes test sections to measure a student's ability in speaking, reading, writing, and listening. Go to the Testing section of this webpage to find the next available test date.
Assessment Format
The assessment is taken online by computer and proctored by a trained individual in the room with the test taker. Google Chrome is the recommended web browser. The exam has several parts:
- Reading- This section consists of 6 passages with 4 multiple choice questions per passage, for a total of 24 questions. This portion of the exam is not timed.
- Listening- This section consists of 6 passages with 4 multiple choice questions per passage, for a total of 24 questions. This portion of the exam is not timed.
- Speaking (Part 1)- There will be 3 topics with 3 prompts, for a total of 9 responses. Students will have 90 seconds to respond to each prompt.
- Speaking (Part 2)- There will be 3 topics with 3 prompts, for a total of 9 responses. Students will have 150 seconds to respond to each prompt.
- Writing (Part 1)- This section consists of 3 prompts with 1 writing response for each. Students have a 7-minute time limit per response.
- Writing (Part 2)- This section consists of 3 prompts with 1 writing response for each. Students have a 10-minute time limit per response.
Preparing to Test
Worried about technology problems? Run the technology check on your computer to make sure everything is working correctly.
Do you want to practice? Here is a link to a website with a writing and speaking practice test; it is located under the "Avant WorldSpeak" heading. Unfortunately, the Minnesota Department of Education does not have any practice reading or listening tests available.
Need help changing your Chromebook's keyboard? Here are instructions.
-
Italian
Anoka-Hennepin currently offers the STAMP 4S exam for Italian speakers to earn the world language certificate or bilingual seal. It includes test sections to measure a student's ability in speaking, reading, writing, and listening. Go to the Testing section of this webpage to find the next available test date.
Assessment Format
The assessment is taken online by computer and proctored by a trained individual in the room with the test taker. Google Chrome is the recommended web browser. The exam has several parts:
- Listening- This section consists of approximately 30 multiple choice questions.
- Reading- This section consists of approximately 30 multiple choice questions.
- Speaking- This section consists of 3 prompts. Students will watch and listen to a video prompt and record an audio response for each and should attempt to add as much as they can to the conversation.
- Writing- This section consists of 3 prompts.
According to Avant's website, "STAMP 4S is computer-adaptive, meaning that the level of question difficulty that a student is presented with is based on the number of correct answers they have logged so far in the assessment. The testing engine automatically adapts to each student's level, up or down, as the test progresses. In addition, prompts for the productive skills (Writing and Speaking) are based on the proficiency level attained for the corresponding receptive skills (Reading and Listening)."
Preparing to Test
Worried about technology problems? Run the Technology Check on your computer to make sure everything is working correctly.
Do you want to practice? Here is a link to a sample test for each of the four test sections. (Note: The practices are shorter than the full exam.)
Need help changing your Chromebook's keyboard? Here are instructions.
-
Japanese
Anoka-Hennepin currently offers the AAPPL exam for Japanese speakers to earn the world language certificate or bilingual seal. It includes test sections to measure a student's ability in speaking, reading, writing, and listening. Go to the Testing section of this webpage to find the next available test date.
Assessment Format
The assessment is taken online by computer and proctored by a trained individual in the room with the test taker. Google Chrome is the recommended web browser. The exam has several parts:
- Interpretive Listening- This section consists of 3 intermediate level tasks and 3 advanced level tasks with a few questions for each task. Students will take 30-40 minutes to complete this portion of the exam.
- Interpretive Reading- This section consists of 3 intermediate level tasks and 3 advanced level tasks with a few questions for each task. Students will take 30-40 minutes to complete this portion of the exam.
- Interpersonal Listening and Speaking- This section consists of 3 intermediate level tasks and 3 advanced level tasks. Students will watch and listen to a video prompt and record an audio response for each task and should attempt to add as much as they can to the conversation. They will have a 45 second recording to respond to the intermediate prompts and a 75 second recording to respond to the advanced level prompts. Their recording begins as soon as the video prompt ends.
- Presentational Writing- This section consists of 3 intermediate level tasks and 3 advanced level tasks. Students will take 30-40 minutes to complete this portion of the exam.
Preparing to Test
Worried about technology problems? Run the AAPPL System Check on your computer to make sure everything is working correctly.
Do you want to practice? Here is a link to a demo for each of the four test sections. (Note: The practices are shorter than the full exam and do not necessarily include advanced level questions.) Be sure to click on the "Form B", or farthest column, for the appropriate practice.
Need help changing your Chromebook's keyboard? Here are instructions.
-
Karen
The first Karen proficiency test became available in the 2020-2021 school year. There is currently only one exam developed by the Minnesota Department of Education for the purpose of the bilingual seal, and it must be specially requested. It includes test sections to measure a student's ability in speaking, reading, writing, and listening. Go to the Testing section of this webpage to find the next available test date.
If you are interested in this exam, please contact the Program Coordinator as soon as possible.
Sara Gregg
Program Coordinator
763-506-6606 -
Korean
Anoka-Hennepin currently offers the AAPPL exam for Korean speakers to earn the world language certificate or bilingual seal. It includes test sections to measure a student's ability in speaking, reading, writing, and listening. Go to the Testing section of this webpage to find the next available test date.
Assessment Format
The assessment is taken online by computer and proctored by a trained individual in the room with the test taker. Google Chrome is the recommended web browser. The exam has several parts:
- Interpretive Listening- This section consists of 3 intermediate level tasks and 3 advanced level tasks with a few questions for each task. Students will take 30-40 minutes to complete this portion of the exam.
- Interpretive Reading- This section consists of 3 intermediate level tasks and 3 advanced level tasks with a few questions for each task. Students will take 30-40 minutes to complete this portion of the exam.
- Interpersonal Listening and Speaking- This section consists of 3 intermediate level tasks and 3 advanced level tasks. Students will watch and listen to a video prompt and record an audio response for each task and should attempt to add as much as they can to the conversation. They will have a 45 second recording to respond to the intermediate prompts and a 75 second recording to respond to the advanced level prompts. Their recording begins as soon as the video prompt ends.
- Presentational Writing- This section consists of 3 intermediate level tasks and 3 advanced level tasks. Students will take 30-40 minutes to complete this portion of the exam.
Preparing to Test
Worried about technology problems? Run the AAPPL System Check on your computer to make sure everything is working correctly.
Do you want to practice? Here is a link to a demo for each of the four test sections. (Note: The practices are shorter than the full exam and do not necessarily include advanced level questions.) Be sure to click on the "Form B", or farthest column, for the appropriate practice.
Need help changing your Chromebook's keyboard? Here are instructions.
-
Mandarin (traditional or simplified writing)
Anoka-Hennepin currently offers the AAPPL exam for Mandarin speakers to earn the world language certificate or bilingual seal. It includes test sections to measure a student's ability in speaking, reading, writing, and listening. Go to the Testing section of this webpage to find the next available test date.
Assessment Format
The assessment is taken online by computer and proctored by a trained individual in the room with the test taker. Google Chrome is the recommended web browser. The exam has several parts:
- Interpretive Listening- This section consists of 3 intermediate level tasks and 3 advanced level tasks with a few questions for each task. Students will take 30-40 minutes to complete this portion of the exam.
- Interpretive Reading- This section consists of 3 intermediate level tasks and 3 advanced level tasks with a few questions for each task. Students will take 30-40 minutes to complete this portion of the exam.
- Interpersonal Listening and Speaking- This section consists of 3 intermediate level tasks and 3 advanced level tasks. Students will watch and listen to a video prompt and record an audio response for each task and should attempt to add as much as they can to the conversation. They will have a 45 second recording to respond to the intermediate prompts and a 75 second recording to respond to the advanced level prompts. Their recording begins as soon as the video prompt ends.
- Presentational Writing- This section consists of 3 intermediate level tasks and 3 advanced level tasks. Students will take 30-40 minutes to complete this portion of the exam.
Preparing to Test
Worried about technology problems? Run the AAPPL System Check on your computer to make sure everything is working correctly.
Do you want to practice? Here is a link to a demo for each of the four test sections. (Note: The practices are shorter than the full exam and do not necessarily include advanced level questions.) Be sure to click on the "Form B", or farthest column, for the appropriate practice.
Need help changing your Chromebook's keyboard? Here are instructions.
-
Ojibwe
There is currently only one exam for Ojibwe available and it was developed by the Minnesota Department of Education for the purpose of the bilingual seal. It includes test sections to measure a student's ability in speaking, reading, writing, and listening. Go to the Testing section of this webpage to find the next available test date.
Assessment Format
The assessment is taken online by computer and proctored by a trained individual in the room with the test taker. Google Chrome is the recommended web browser. The exam has several parts:
- Reading- This section consists of 6 passages with 4 multiple choice questions per passage, for a total of 24 questions. This portion of the exam is not timed.
- Listening- This section consists of 6 passages with 4 multiple choice questions per passage, for a total of 24 questions. This portion of the exam is not timed.
- Speaking (Part 1)- There will be 3 topics with 3 prompts, for a total of 9 responses. Students will have 90 seconds to respond to each prompt.
- Speaking (Part 2)- There will be 3 topics with 3 prompts, for a total of 9 responses. Students will have 150 seconds to respond to each prompt.
- Writing (Part 1)- This section consists of 3 prompts with 1 writing response for each. Students have a 7-minute time limit per response.
- Writing (Part 2)- This section consists of 3 prompts with 1 writing response for each. Students have a 10-minute time limit per response.
Preparing to Test
Worried about technology problems? Run the technology check on your computer to make sure everything is working correctly.
Unfortunately, the Minnesota Department of Education does not have any practice of this test available. It is possible to find content online to read and listen to in order to study. Additionally, you may consider looking at the English practice speaking and writing test, located under the "Avant WorldSpeak" heading, to see what the questions will look like.
Need help changing your Chromebook's keyboard? Here are instructions.
-
Oromo
There is currently only one exam for Oromo available and it was developed by the Minnesota Department of Education for the purpose of the bilingual seal. It includes test sections to measure a student's ability in speaking, reading, writing, and listening. Go to the Testing section of this webpage to find the next available test date.
Assessment Format
The assessment is taken online by computer and proctored by a trained individual in the room with the test taker. Google Chrome is the recommended web browser. The exam has several parts:
- Reading- This section consists of 6 passages with 4 multiple choice questions per passage, for a total of 24 questions. This portion of the exam is not timed.
- Listening- This section consists of 6 passages with 4 multiple choice questions per passage, for a total of 24 questions. This portion of the exam is not timed.
- Speaking (Part 1)- There will be 3 topics with 3 prompts, for a total of 9 responses. Students will have 90 seconds to respond to each prompt.
- Speaking (Part 2)- There will be 3 topics with 3 prompts, for a total of 9 responses. Students will have 150 seconds to respond to each prompt.
- Writing (Part 1)- This section consists of 3 prompts with 1 writing response for each. Students have a 7-minute time limit per response.
- Writing (Part 2)- This section consists of 3 prompts with 1 writing response for each. Students have a 10-minute time limit per response.
Preparing to Test
Worried about technology problems? Run the technology check on your computer to make sure everything is working correctly.
Unfortunately, the Minnesota Department of Education does not have any practice of this test available. It is possible to find content online to read and listen to in order to study. Additionally, you may consider looking at the English practice speaking and writing test, located under the "Avant WorldSpeak" heading, to see what the questions will look like.
Need help changing your Chromebook's keyboard? Here are instructions.
-
Pashto
-
Polish
Anoka-Hennepin currently offers the STAMP 4S exam for Polish speakers to earn the world language certificate or bilingual seal. It includes test sections to measure a student's ability in speaking, reading, writing, and listening. Go to the Testing section of this webpage to find the next available test date.
Assessment Format
The assessment is taken online by computer and proctored by a trained individual in the room with the test taker. Google Chrome is the recommended web browser. The exam has several parts:
- Listening- This section consists of approximately 30 multiple choice questions.
- Reading- This section consists of approximately 30 multiple choice questions.
- Speaking- This section consists of 3 prompts. Students will watch and listen to a video prompt and record an audio response for each and should attempt to add as much as they can to the conversation.
- Writing- This section consists of 3 prompts.
According to Avant's website, "STAMP 4S is computer-adaptive, meaning that the level of question difficulty that a student is presented with is based on the number of correct answers they have logged so far in the assessment. The testing engine automatically adapts to each student's level, up or down, as the test progresses. In addition, prompts for the productive skills (Writing and Speaking) are based on the proficiency level attained for the corresponding receptive skills (Reading and Listening)."
Preparing to Test
Worried about technology problems? Run the Technology Check on your computer to make sure everything is working correctly.
Do you want to practice? Here is a link to a sample test for each of the four test sections. (Note: The practices are shorter than the full exam.)
Need help changing your Chromebook's keyboard? Here are instructions.
-
Portuguese
Anoka-Hennepin currently offers the AAPPL exam for Portugese speakers to earn the world language certificate or bilingual seal. It includes test sections to measure a student's ability in speaking, reading, writing, and listening. Go to the Testing section of this webpage to find the next available test date.
Assessment Format
The assessment is taken online by computer and proctored by a trained individual in the room with the test taker. Google Chrome is the recommended web browser. The exam has several parts:
- Interpretive Listening- This section consists of 3 intermediate level tasks and 3 advanced level tasks with a few questions for each task. Students will take 30-40 minutes to complete this portion of the exam.
- Interpretive Reading- This section consists of 3 intermediate level tasks and 3 advanced level tasks with a few questions for each task. Students will take 30-40 minutes to complete this portion of the exam.
- Interpersonal Listening and Speaking- This section consists of 3 intermediate level tasks and 3 advanced level tasks. Students will watch and listen to a video prompt and record an audio response for each task and should attempt to add as much as they can to the conversation. They will have a 45 second recording to respond to the intermediate prompts and a 75 second recording to respond to the advanced level prompts. Their recording begins as soon as the video prompt ends.
- Presentational Writing- This section consists of 3 intermediate level tasks and 3 advanced level tasks. Students will take 30-40 minutes to complete this portion of the exam.
Preparing to Test
Worried about technology problems? Run the AAPPL System Check on your computer to make sure everything is working correctly.
Do you want to practice? Here is a link to a demo for each of the four test sections. (Note: The practices are shorter than the full exam and do not necessarily include advanced level questions.) Be sure to click on the "Form B", or farthest column, for the appropriate practice.
Need help changing your Chromebook's keyboard? Here are instructions.
-
Russian
Anoka-Hennepin currently offers the STAMP 4S exam for Russian speakers to earn the world language certificate or bilingual seal. It includes test sections to measure a student's ability in speaking, reading, writing, and listening. Go to the Testing section of this webpage to find the next available test date.
Assessment Format
The assessment is taken online by computer and proctored by a trained individual in the room with the test taker. Google Chrome is the recommended web browser. The exam has several parts:
- Listening- This section consists of approximately 30 multiple choice questions.
- Reading- This section consists of approximately 30 multiple choice questions.
- Speaking- This section consists of 3 prompts. Students will watch and listen to a video prompt and record an audio response for each and should attempt to add as much as they can to the conversation.
- Writing- This section consists of 3 prompts.
According to Avant's website, "STAMP 4S is computer-adaptive, meaning that the level of question difficulty that a student is presented with is based on the number of correct answers they have logged so far in the assessment. The testing engine automatically adapts to each student's level, up or down, as the test progresses. In addition, prompts for the productive skills (Writing and Speaking) are based on the proficiency level attained for the corresponding receptive skills (Reading and Listening)."
Preparing to Test
Worried about technology problems? Run the Technology Check on your computer to make sure everything is working correctly.
Do you want to practice? Here is a link to a sample test for each of the four test sections. (Note: The practices are shorter than the full exam.)
Need help changing your Chromebook's keyboard? Here are instructions.
-
Somali (Maxaa or Maay Maay)
There is currently only one exam for Somali available and it was developed by the Minnesota Department of Education for the purpose of the bilingual seal. It includes test sections to measure a student's ability in speaking, reading, writing, and listening. Go to the Testing section of this webpage to find the next available test date.
Assessment Format
The assessment is taken online by computer and proctored by a trained individual in the room with the test taker. Google Chrome is the recommended web browser. The exam has several parts:
- Reading- This section consists of 6 passages with 4 multiple choice questions per passage, for a total of 24 questions. This portion of the exam is not timed.
- Listening- This section consists of 6 passages with 4 multiple choice questions per passage, for a total of 24 questions. This portion of the exam is not timed.
- Speaking (Part 1)- There will be 3 topics with 3 prompts, for a total of 9 responses. Students will have 90 seconds to respond to each prompt.
- Speaking (Part 2)- There will be 3 topics with 3 prompts, for a total of 9 responses. Students will have 150 seconds to respond to each prompt.
- Writing (Part 1)- This section consists of 3 prompts with 1 writing response for each. Students have a 7-minute time limit per response.
- Writing (Part 2)- This section consists of 3 prompts with 1 writing response for each. Students have a 10-minute time limit per response.
Preparing to Test
Worried about technology problems? Run the technology check on your computer to make sure everything is working correctly.
Do you want to practice? Here is a link to a website with a writing and speaking practice test; it is located under the "Avant WorldSpeak" heading. Unfortunately, the Minnesota Department of Education does not have any practice reading or listening tests available.
Need help changing your Chromebook's keyboard? Here are instructions.
-
Spanish
Anoka-Hennepin currently offers the AAPPL exam for Spanish speakers to earn the world language certificate or bilingual seal. Additionally, some high schools in the district offer Advanced Placement (AP) Spanish or International Baccalaureate (IB) Spanish which can be used to proove proficiency as well. Speak with your classroom teacher or guidance counselor to see which testing option makes the most sense for you. All of these exams include test sections to measure a student's ability in speaking, reading, writing, and listening. Go to the Testing section of this webpage to find the next available test date.
Assessment Format
The AAPPL assessment is taken online by computer and proctored by a trained individual in the room with the test taker. Google Chrome is the recommended web browser. The exam has several parts:
- Interpretive Listening- This section consists of 3 intermediate level tasks and 3 advanced level tasks with a few questions for each task. Students will take 30-40 minutes to complete this portion of the exam.
- Interpretive Reading- This section consists of 3 intermediate level tasks and 3 advanced level tasks with a few questions for each task. Students will take 30-40 minutes to complete this portion of the exam.
- Interpersonal Listening and Speaking- This section consists of 3 intermediate level tasks and 3 advanced level tasks. Students will watch and listen to a video prompt and record an audio response for each task and should attempt to add as much as they can to the conversation. They will have a 45 second recording to respond to the intermediate prompts and a 75 second recording to respond to the advanced level prompts. Their recording begins as soon as the video prompt ends.
- Presentational Writing- This section consists of 3 intermediate level tasks and 3 advanced level tasks. Students will take 30-40 minutes to complete this portion of the exam.
Preparing to Test
Worried about technology problems? Run the AAPPL System Check on your computer to make sure everything is working correctly.
Do you want to practice? Here is a link to a demo for each of the four test sections. (Note: The practices are shorter than the full exam and do not necessarily include advanced level questions.) Be sure to click on the "Form B", or farthest column, for the appropriate practice.
Need help changing your Chromebook's keyboard? Here are instructions.
-
Swahili
-
Tamil
The first Tamil proficiency test became available in the 2020-2021 school year. There is currently only one exam developed by the Minnesota Department of Education for the purpose of the bilingual seal, and it must be specially requested. It includes test sections to measure a student's ability in speaking, reading, writing, and listening. Go to the Testing section of this webpage to find the next available test date.
If you are interested in this exam, please contact the Program Coordinator as soon as possible.
Sara Gregg
Program Coordinator
763-506-6606 -
Thai
Anoka-Hennepin currently offers the AAPPL exam for Thai speakers to earn the world language certificate or bilingual seal. It includes test sections to measure a student's ability in speaking, reading, writing, and listening. Go to the Testing section of this webpage to find the next available test date.
Assessment Format
The assessment is taken online by computer and proctored by a trained individual in the room with the test taker. Google Chrome is the recommended web browser. The exam has several parts:
- Interpretive Listening- This section consists of 3 intermediate level tasks and 3 advanced level tasks with a few questions for each task. Students will take 30-40 minutes to complete this portion of the exam.
- Interpretive Reading- This section consists of 3 intermediate level tasks and 3 advanced level tasks with a few questions for each task. Students will take 30-40 minutes to complete this portion of the exam.
- Interpersonal Listening and Speaking- This section consists of 3 intermediate level tasks and 3 advanced level tasks. Students will watch and listen to a video prompt and record an audio response for each task and should attempt to add as much as they can to the conversation. They will have a 45 second recording to respond to the intermediate prompts and a 75 second recording to respond to the advanced level prompts. Their recording begins as soon as the video prompt ends.
- Presentational Writing- This section consists of 3 intermediate level tasks and 3 advanced level tasks. Students will take 30-40 minutes to complete this portion of the exam.
Preparing to Test
Worried about technology problems? Run the AAPPL System Check on your computer to make sure everything is working correctly.
Do you want to practice? Here is a link to a demo for each of the four test sections. (Note: The practices are shorter than the full exam and do not necessarily include advanced level questions.) Be sure to click on the "Form B", or farthest column, for the appropriate practice.
Need help changing your Chromebook's keyboard? Here are instructions.
Which colleges and universities grant credit for the bilingual seal?
-
Participating Institutions
The group of schools first to accept the world language proficiency certificates and bilingual seals were Minnesota State Colleges and Universities, a statewide system of 30 colleges and seven universities with 54 campuses across the state. A complete list can be found here.
*Note: The University of Minnesota is not included in this group.
More institutions are considering offering credit for the bilingual seal. Most recently Augsberg University began accepting bilingual seals for credit.
-
Kristi Kalmoe-SmithBilingual Seal Coordinator763-506-7731