Recognition of STAMP's unique role in the world of foreign language assessment has been apparent this Spring as implementations have blossomed across the education world. Early adopters from previous years have enthusiastically shared their successes and Language Learning Solutions' leaders have traveled the globe working with world languages teachers and administrators with a resulting 25% increase in the use of STAMP nationwide. An up-to-date list of educational partners is available at http://www.onlinells.com/partners.php. Assessments conducted during the first four months of 2007 show that Spanish is still the most frequent implementation (55%) followed by French (24%), German (10%), Chinese (7%), and Japanese (4%). Additionally, Italian has been successfully piloted across the state of New Jersey and will be available for all in the 2007-2008 school year. Keep informed about current and future languages for STAMP at ............

STAMP was developed by our partner CASLS, (the Center for Applied Second Language Studies), an NFLRC at the University of Oregon. CASLS continues to research and develop online foreign language performance and proficiency assessments, and is currently focused on Advanced levels (ACTFL Intermediate-High through Superior) for French, German, Spanish, Chinese and Japanese; LCTLs (less commonly taught languages) including Arabic, Hebrew, Hindi, Persian, Swahili, Turkish, Urdu and Yoruba; and NOELLA, the National Online Early Language Learning Assessment, for Grades 3-6 learners of Chinese, French, Spanish, Japanese, and Korean. Educators play a key role by using and providing feedback about these emerging assessment tools. Currently, CASLS is looking for Pilot Sites for NOELLA assessments (Chinese, Japanese, Spanish, and French), Advanced Level assessments (Chinese), and for assessments that will eventually be added to STAMP (Chinese, Hindi, Hebrew, and Turkish). Find out how you can participate at ............

One of the most prevailing questions we're asked is about the unique process of rating the STAMP test responses. All graders are trained and certified through VALID, the proprietary, online rater-training and monitoring system for STAMP. VALID allows our raters to be geographically dispersed and offers scheduling flexibility and a professional development opportunity. To find out more about joining Language Learning Solution's Rating Services Program please contact mjennis@onlinells.com.

LLS has agreed to develop online speaking assessments inspired by the STAMP test as a measure of progress for the National Security Language Initiative's (NSLI) STARTALK program. STARTALK is a new multi-agency Federal initiative providing summer immersion programs for students and professional development for teachers of foreign languages. In this first year, the program is focusing on Arabic and Chinese and is expected to include over 1700 students and teachers. You can learn more about the STARTALK program at http://www.nflc.org/projects/current_projects/startalk/ and about all of the NSLI opportunities at http://www.ed.gov/about/inits/ed/competitiveness/nsli

Language Learning Solutions is pleased to introduce a new feature celebrating YOU - the Foreign Language Educators and administrators who use the STAMP test in your programs. Periodically we will share a profile of one of your colleagues whose example of success in implementing and using STAMP can help others in the field. Our inaugural profile introduces Mary Ann Ullrich of Arlington, Virginia, whose years of leadership as a Spanish teacher and program administrator is complemented by her dedication to language's role in making a difference in the world. This belief is exemplified by her work in Honduran villages and support of student programs in El Salvador and Mexico. Mary Ann's strategies to improve her program through consistent assessment involved creative and patient modeling. You can see Mary Ann's full story (and others as the collection grows) at the Arlington Public Schools link at http://www.onlinells.com/partners.php.