The Languages ATF continues to make progress in implementing the one test that can be used throughout the state to determine language proficiency in all four areas to be tested. Vernon Smith and Rio Salado have acquired the MLPA and are now conducting trial testing that will allow them to determine second semester and fourth semester proficiency. They are also working with Joyce Story and Glendale to establish a control group from another community college . They will report again in the fall . The agreement between the community colleges and the universities as to cut off scores will remain in effect until fall 2002 when it will be re-evaluated.
Statistics are to be gathered to help in the re-evaluation.
The Languages ATF continues to be concerned about the delivery modes of languages courses that allow them to be taught with no speaking and little listening primarily correspondence courses and some online courses. One of the problems is that distance education is often under a department other than the language department. The U of A has just hired a heritage linguistics person. She will report in the fall. The outcomes statements for the less commonly taught languages including ASL were completed.