Columbia High School

AVANT STAMP4s World Language Exam

The Avant STAMP™ (STAndards-based Measurement of Proficiency) language exam was created at the University of Oregon to improve language-learning outcomes and support excellence in language programs. STAMP™ enables school districts to use it as a measure for student growth, to qualify for the state or Global Seal of Biliteracy, and to award Competency-Based Credits. Avant STAMP™ engages students with real-world content that is leveled according to the topics commonly taught at each level of instruction. STAMP’s adaptive test design adjusts to a student’s level so they are challenged, but not overwhelmed. And because STAMP™ is an adaptive test, it liberates students to show what they can do with the language – all the way up to the top of the Advanced level.

The STAMP4s consists of four sections: Reading, Writing, Listening & Speaking and Avant offers exams in the following languages: Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Hebrew, Italian, Japanese, Spanish, Tagalog (Filipino), and Vietnamese. Students can earn up to four World Language credits

 Washington State Seal of Biliteracy

The Seal of Biliteracy is an achievement award enacted by Washington to recognize students who earn four credits and/or achieve Intermediate Mid proficiency level on the STAMP4s and who have attained strong proficiency in English by high school graduation. The Seal of Biliteracy is a special notation that appears on the transcript and diploma of the graduating senior. It is a statement of accomplishment that signals evidence of a student's readiness for career and college and to engage as a global citizen. Students may test at any time and demonstrate proficiency that will qualify them for the Seal of Biliteracy, but they can’t earn the Seal until they complete all English Language Arts (ELA) graduation requirements for their chosen pathway.

Contact your school counselor or language teacher for information on how to sign up for the Avant STAMP4s exam and earn World Language credits!