AAPPL Rater Certification

The ACTFL Assessment of Performance toward Proficiency in Languages (AAPPL) is unlike any other assessment. AAPPL is a web-based proficiency and performance assessment of K-12 standards-based language learning. It assesses tasks across the three modes of communication as defined by the World-Readiness Standards for Learning Languages. AAPPL Rater Certification is only awarded in the languages in which the AAPPL is offered: Arabic, Chinese (Mandarin), English/ESOL, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, and Spanish.

AAPPL Raters are recruited on an as-needed basis according to the volume of AAPPL testing. ACTFL generally accepts applications once a year—typically between late October through early January. Upon certification, raters will work as independent contractors for ACTFL’s test administration partner, Language Testing International (LTI).

The application to become a certified AAPPL Rater is now open. ACTFL is currently seeking candidates proficient in the following languages: Arabic, Chinese, English, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, Russian, and Spanish.

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Successful applicants will be invited to pursue Certification as an AAPPL Rater by completing an online certification course, beginning mid-January 2023. The Certification is a 4-week course including approximately 20 hours of material. It is largely self-paced through online modules, but opportunities for synchronous interaction (e.g., web-based meetings or webinars) will be made available. The application deadline is Sunday, December 4, 2022.

Prerequisite for Becoming a Rater:

  • ACTFL-certified AAPPL raters will rate AAPPL tests from their home computers. As such, a high-speed (not dial up) connection is required.
  • All AAPPL raters must demonstrate a minimum proficiency of Advanced - Mid in the language in which they will rate. If a rater is not an L1 speaker of the language, with all higher education completed either in the target language or by majoring/specializing in that language, then an OPIc will be required to document the rater’s language proficiency. This will be arranged by ACTFL prior to enrollment in the AAPPL certification workshop.
  • Minimum of a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.
  • Ideal candidates have a background in proficiency assessment and preference is given to candidates with language teaching experience.

The AAPPL Certification eCourse:

The AAPPL Certification Course is an online course, which includes self-guided modules along with synchronous and asynchronous activities and meetings. The AAPPL Certification eCourse is a four-week course and includes an estimated 20-25 hours of material.

The Certification Process:

  • Complete all self-guided modules
  • Attend ACTFL-hosted synchronous online AAPPL Familiarization Workshop sessions
  • Attend virtual office hours hosted by an AAPPL Quality Assurance Advisor as needed
  • Successfully complete the practice and certification rounds of rating of Interpersonal Listening & Speaking (ILS) along with Presentational Writing (PW) samples

The Role of an AAPPL Rater

  • Ability to apply the AAPPL rating criteria to the AAPPL rating process to make sound rating judgments
  • Availability to serve as a rater (LTI-paid consultant) – particularly during the busiest periods of the year (mid-March through early June and November through early December)
  • Rate ILS and PW samples accurately, reliably, and in a timely manner
  • Participate in norming sessions to prepare for the two busiest rating periods and in readiness activities to maintain the rating standards between busy periods
  • Be responsive to AAPPL quality assurance (QA) advisors for your language(s), as well as to ACTFL and LTI staff in support of rating and QA activities

Maintaining AAPPL Certification

Once a rater is certified, they maintain their certification under the following circumstances:

  • The rater maintains an active rating record
  • The rater maintains an acceptable interrater reliability rate
  • The rater participates in the two ACTFL-hosted readiness events: an annual norming (December/January) and the mid-year refresher event (August/September)
  • The rater attends ACTFL-hosted virtual office hours, benchmarking activities, or focused re-norming activities based on the needs of the rater

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