This article details the challenges and best practices of evaluating second language learners for placement into postsecondary Spanish language courses. The literature on testing for placement purposes in second language acquisition and language testing provides a great deal of insight, but language programs must make many decisions as well that…

Reports on a study which sought to determine the validity of the Advanced Placement Spanish Language Examination by comparing the performance on the multiple-choice section of this test of three groups: (1) advanced placement students, (2) second-year college students, and (3) third-year college students. (AM)

Results of a rational, multiple-choice, cloze Spanish achievement test indicate the validity of such a test to measure achievement. It is suggested that with only minor adaptations, such a test could be used as a way to measure macro- and microprogress with specific materials at any point in a course or program where reading may be tested. (SL)

Discusses the validity of a rating scale created by the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages for the purpose of measuring the oral language proficiency of bilingual professionals who are speakers of English and Spanish. Notes that this scale measures various levels of competence and features of an individual's speech. (14…