1. Introducing Language Assessments
Victorian Curriculum F-10 and Languages Units
ACER

2. PRESENTERS VCAA Languages Unit: Maree Dellora F-10 Unit: Craig Smith
ACER
Fusae Nojima: Project Director
Scott Haines: Senior Technical Officer

3. Contents Overview Background Introducing the language assessments
Web tour language assessments
Questions
How to register
Contacts

4. Overview The Language assessments
are a resource schools may choose to use to support their teaching of Languages (F-10 or 7-10 sequences)
provide assessments of the receptive skills of listening and reading
not intended to be the sole means of assessing student progress against the Victorian Curriculum Languages achievement standards.

5. Background to Language Assessments
2017 the Victorian Curriculum F-10 implemented by all Victorian government and Catholic schools
VCAA identifies 90% of students taking one of eight languages
VCAA goes to public tender seeking online language assessments, aligned to the curriculum, targeting eight most popular languages plus hosting services

6. Background
Australian Council for Educational Research (ACER) awarded tender, with online language assessments for listening and reading in following eight languages:
- Chinese (background and second language learner)
- French
- German
- Indonesian
- Italian
- Japanese
- Modern Greek
- Spanish.

7. Background – timelines
Assessments trialled with schools March 2017, with first iteration of language assessments released for term 3, 2017.
First iteration – eight languages, raw score reports
Second iteration – February 2018, additional assessments in Chinese, Modern Greek and Spanish, full reporting functionality.
Ongoing development process, to add more test items and to increase the range tests.

8. Who we are - ACER
Australian Council for Educational Research (ACER) is an independent, not-for-profit research organisation established in Australia.
ACER undertakes commissioned research and development and develops and distributes a wide range of products and services.

9. Introducing the Language Assessments
Online suite of assessments in eight languages
Derived from ACER’s ALC tests
Intended to support teachers implementing Victorian Curriculum Languages
Available to all Victorian schools at no cost

10. Introducing the Language Assessments
Separate Listening and Reading tests
Multiple-choice format
Three levels of difficulty
Assess receptive skills only

11. Introducing the Language Assessments
Currently suitable for F-10 or 7-10 sequence, for levels 5-6 onwards
Available on demand ie teachers decide when they wish to use them and how often
For individual teacher use, giving data to support teaching

12. Introducing the Language Assessments
The language assessments consist of separate Reading and Listening tests, with three levels of difficulty
VCAA will provide an indication of where the language assessments align with the curriculum, but teachers have the flexibility to decide which assessments they wish to use.
Teachers are strongly urged to preview the tests before using them

13. Why use language assessments?
Useful diagnostic tool
Snapshot of student progress in listening and reading
Online bank of test items available any time
Results provided immediately

14. How to register
Go to either the VCAA website and follow the link to ACER’s registration page
Or go directly to the ACER page

15. How to register Complete and submit the registration form.
You will receive login details via from the ACER once your registration is approved (may take up to 5 business days).

16. What happens after registration?
Once you log in to your account, you can start using your account immediately.
Create students*
Assign tests
Log in
*Students already in
your account?

17. Log in
Use the login details ed by ACER.
Click “Students”. 

18. Can you see students already?
Create/edit students
Can you see students already?
Yes No
Check/edit students
Create students

19. Create students Individually Bulk import (via Template)
Candidate information:
Name / DOB / Gender / Username / Password / Year Level
Note: password can be the same for all students

20. Assign tests
Teachers make the determination which test they wish to use to assess their students listening and/or reading skills, and at what level of difficulty. Teachers are strongly urged to preview the tests beforehand and to make a judgement which test is appropriate for their students.
To Preview a test:
Go to Students page
Click on Tests > Preview
Select Language and Form
Click Preview

21. Administering a Test
Accessible on all types of devices; Windows (IE/Firefox/Chrome) or Mac (Safari/Firefox/Chrome) or iPad (Safari) or Android tablets
Student responses are saved as they move from question to question
The system logs start and end time, but does not lock automatically
Headphones are required for the Listening tests

22. Reports
Reports are available immediately after students complete their test
Go to Students page
Select one or more students
Click Generate Report
Select Language area
Select Group Report
Select Test Form
Specify a date range

23. Help Page User Guide account set up instructions video demonstrations
Language assessments
FAQs

24. Contact regarding the platform
If you have any questions about the platform (registration, create/edit students, assign tests), please contact: ACER Helpdesk T

25. Contacts for Language Assessments/ Languages
For questions about the language assessments, please contact VCAA F-10 Unit: or T For queries re Languages please contact: Maree Dellora, Manager, Languages Unit T