Overview
- Avant STAMP is a nationally recognized web-based test that assesses language proficiency.
- Avant STAMP was originally developed by the Center for Applied Second Language Studies (CASLS), a National Foreign Language Resource Center at the University of Oregon and funded by the US Department of Education. It was later adapted and is delivered by Avant Assessment.
- Test results inform test takers and educators about learning progress and program effectiveness.
- Tests are taken in a proctored environment with no outside resources allowed.
- The test has four sections – Self-Evaluation Reading, Writing, Self-Evaluation Listening, and Speaking.
- Test takers will be asked to answer seven self-evaluation questions that best represent their skill/ability level in both the Reading and Listening sections. The self-evaluated reading score is used to determine the level of prompt delivered for the writing section. The same applies to the listening self-evaluation related to the speaking prompts. This allows the language productive sections to be more appropriately leveled for the test taker.
- Writing and Speaking responses are rated by Avant’s trained raters who use a Scoring Rubric that lists the criteria for meeting Benchmark Levels.
Avant STAMP Overview
Avant STAMP WS is a nationally recognized web-based test that assesses language proficiency. It has 4 sections: Writing and Speaking.
Each test taker should read through the Test Taker Guide.
~30 multiple-choice questions
3 prompts
~30 multiple-choice questions
3 prompts
Brief History
Avant STAMP was originally developed by the Center for Applied Second Language Studies (CASLS), a National Foreign Language Resource Center at the University of Oregon and funded by the US Department of Education. It was later adapted and is delivered by Avant Assessment.
How the Test Works
Reading and Listening questions are multiple-choice and are scored automatically. The test is computer adaptive which means it will get easier or harder based on the test taker’s responses.
Writing and Speaking prompts will be made more or less difficult based on how well the test taker does in the Reading and Listening sections. Responses are rated by Avant Certified Raters who use a Scoring Rubric that lists the criteria for meeting Benchmark Levels.
Automatically Scored
Human Rated
Test Rules
Tests are taken in a proctored environment with no outside resources allowed.
- Do not click outside the test window. This is tracked and will log you out of the test.
- Do not use any support materials (e.g., dictionaries, textbooks, cell phones, apps, messaging tools, or translation aids such as Google Translate).
- Do not take notes (paper-based or electronic). Paper, pens, pencils, styluses, etc. are not allowed.
- Do not read/use any notes or support materials for your speaking/expressive responses.
- Do not communicate with anyone except the proctor during the test.
- Do not share test questions or prompts. Do not copy, print, or take screenshots of the test.
- Do not use violent, profane, or inappropriate language in your responses.
Preparing for the Test
Avant STAMP is a proficiency test of what the test taker can do with the language at this point in time. There are no “right” or “wrong” answers, simply a demonstration of their skills.
To help each test taker prepare, we do have several resources to help:
Beispieltests
Shows what the test will look like and gives examples of Novice, Intermediate, and Advanced questions and prompts. It does not show the computer-adaptive nature of the test and will not give a score at the end.
Video Tutorials
Helps the test taker understand how to do their best and what to expect during testing.
Beispielschreiben
For many languages, we provide real examples of writing responses for each level. Test takers can compare what they know to understand what type of language is expected at each level.
Benchmarks and Rubrics
This guide helps to understand how the test is scored and provides question topics that might be used at each level in the Reading and Listening sections.
Assessment Results
After scoring is completed, results will be provided to the school or organization administering the test.
The report shows how your student performed in each skill (Reading, Writing, Listening, Speaking) and gives an overall (composite) score.
For a detailed explanation of how scores are determined, see the Benchmark and Rubric Guide, which describes what is expected at each level. If you have questions about an individual student’s scores, please contact the school or organization that gave the test.
Individual Report
The Individual Report displays the score (benchmark level) that the test taker attained in each skill tested along with a Composite Score. The composite score represents the test taker’s Writing and Speaking scores added together and divided by two. Self-evaluated Reading and Listening scores are not included in the Composite score calculation.
Self-Evaluation Reading and Self-Evaluation Listening sections will show a score generated by Avant once a test taker completes each section.
Writing and Speaking sections will show a scoring graphic. These inverted pyramids have a filled area that depicts the level attained in Writing and Speaking sections accordingly once rating is completed by Avant.
The area to the right of the inverted pyramid describes the characteristics associated with the skill (Reading, Writing, Listening, Speaking) and level category (Novice, Intermediate, Advanced). If a test section was not completed, this area of the report will show the test taker status for this section (Section Not Started or Section In Progress).
The area to the far right contains Power Up Suggestions that the test taker can work on to attain higher level scores in the particular skill.
Understanding the Scores
The Individual Report shows the score earned for each skill, along with a Composite Score.
Score Pyramid
An inverted pyramid graphic displays each score. The filled section shows the level reached.
- For Writing and Speaking, an extra shaded area may appear if one response was scored at a higher level.
- This indicates the student may be performing across a range of proficiency levels for that skill.
Skill Descriptions
Next to the pyramid, you’ll see descriptions of the skill (Reading, Writing, Listening, Speaking) and the level category (Novice, Intermediate, Advanced).
- If a test section wasn’t finished, this area will instead show the status: Not Started or In Progress.
Power Up Suggestions
On the far right, the report lists Power Up Suggestions—practical tips the student can use to improve and reach higher scores in that skill.
To understand more about the Individual Report scores, see the Benchmark and Rubric Guide. The rubric outlines in detail what expectations are placed upon the test takers for performance at any given level. For more information about a specific test taker’s scores, contact the organization that administered the test.
Understanding the Scores
To understand more about the Individual Report scores, see the Benchmark and Rubric Guide. The rubric outlines in detail what expectations are placed upon the test takers for performance at any given level. For more information about a specific test taker’s scores, contact the organization that administered the test.