National Spanish ExaminationApril 8 and/or 9, 2014

This PowerPoint was presented the week of September 30, 2013

What is the purpose of the National Spanish Exam?

• to recognize achievement in the study of the Spanish language

• to promote proficiency in interpretive communication in the Spanish language

• to assess the national standards as they pertain to learning Spanish

• to stimulate further interest in the teaching and learning of Spanish

How many students take the exam?

The National Spanish Examination is the most widely used test of Spanish in the United States.  In the spring of 2013, a total of 152,726 students participated in the online version of the exam nationwide.

How long is the test?

• The total time for the exam will be 80 minutes + 5 minutes for the personal information section.

• The test consists of two parts. – Achievement test based on specifications for

vocabulary and grammar– Proficiency test which assesses interpretive

communication based on the specifications for listening and reading comprehension available online and from Señor Blease

How much does it cost?

• The cost is $6.50 (due OCTOBER 7 or 8, whenever your class is) and covers:

– The Online National Spanish Examination

– Unlimited year long use of the free, online practice exercises and practice examinations

– Vocabulary lists for every level!

– National and local recognition

• Seven (7) sets of percentiles for each student

• Printable certificates for students who earn medal placement

• If you earn medal placement, you will also be mentioned in HoofBeat and the Parent Network newsletter

– Prizes (the first year: 4 Northsiders won cash, 2nd year:12 students, 3rd year: 17 students, 4th: 27 students, 5th: 36 students …next year??)

– Eligibility to compete for Junior Travel Awards and Senior Scholarships. Even if you’re a sophomore, to be eligible for the Junior Travel award, you had to have taken it this year

What do I need for the exam day?

An extra pair of headphones will be good to have in case the ones in the Language Lab don’t work

When is the exam?

We will take the exam April 8 and/or 9 depending on your class period

Please do not be absent those dates. Make ups will only be during lunch periods the days of the exam.

All exams will begin promptly at the beginning of class.

What are the exam levels and categories?

• We will test 6 levels and will typically coincide with your current level of Spanish. – Ex: Spanish 2=Level 2– AP Spanish=Level 4, 5, or 6 (depending on your personal level

of aptitude. Your teacher will help you decide this)

• Within those 6 levels are 3 categories– Regular classroom experience– Experience with Spanish outside of the classroom*– Bilingual*

*There are deeper explanations of these categories that I can explain to you

How can I prepare for the exam?

The best preparation has been what you’ve been doing in Spanish classes so far: Listening, memorizing vocabulary, learning new grammar, immersing yourself in the language

THE VOCABULARY IS THE SECRET TO SUCCESS! So, take the quizzes seriously.

The NSE website has online practice exams from past years that you must practice with at home and in school before taking the exam.

Why should I take the exam?

• It’s mandatory and counts as a regular exam grade

• Looks great on college applications

• National RecognitionStudents scoring above the 75th percentile are recognized as follows:  

– Gold medal placement certificate - students scoring at or above the 95th percentile. – Silver medal placement certificate - students scoring from the 85th through the 94th percentiles. – Bronze medal placement certificate - students scoring from the 75th through the 84th percentiles.

• Local recognition– If you achieve a medal, your name will be mentioned in HoofBeat and the Parent Network

newsletter

• Chapter PrizesThe Chicago chapter awards cash prizes of $25, $50, $75, and $100. Last year’s students won over $1800 total. There is an awards ceremony in May where you will get a check

• National Awards and ScholarshipsJuniors and Seniors scoring above the 75th percentile are eligible to apply for Junior Travel Awards* and Senior Scholarships*

*Explanation of these on the National Spanish Exam website or ask Señor Blease

What now?

$6.50 will be due Monday, October 7 or Tuesday, October 8 depending on when your class is. If you cannot afford to pay $6.50, speak to Señor Blease. CASH or CHECKS are acceptable. Checks must be made to: Northside College Prep

Check out the exam website for more info: www.nationalspanishexam.org

Any additional questions, please contact Señor Blease in person or via email: rblease@cps.edu