National Spanish Assessments
National Spanish Assessments
The National Spanish Assessments (NSA) are a proficiency-based online exam designed to give teachers many different options and results for testing students.
Content & Format
The National Spanish Assessments are comprised of modules:
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Computer-Graded Modules (4) |
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Module 1 |
Interpretive Communication – Reading Comprehension |
Module 2 |
Interpretive Communication – Listening Comprehension |
Module 3 |
Vocabulary |
Module 4 |
Grammar |
Rater-Graded Modules (2) (The following modules are currently under development!) |
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Module 5 |
Interpersonal & Presentational Communication – Writing |
Module 6 |
Interpersonal & Presentational Communication – Speaking |
The NSA Specific Level Exams test a specific level of proficiency. (see chart below)
Specific Level Exams |
Assess content and performance standards at a specific level! |
Four modules (20 minutes each): 1. Reading 2. Listening 3. Vocabulary 4. Grammar |
For Specific Level Exams
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NSA Standards |
Exam Specifications |
NSA Registration
Registration for the National Spanish Assessments takes place during the academic year (from August 1st through June 30th). The cost is $3 per-student for all exams.
Note: Registering teachers must be members of the American Association of Teachers of Spanish and Portuguese (AATSP). Administering the NSA is a benefit of membership.
* For questions regarding registration for the National Spanish Assessments (NSA), please call the office at 219-465-2100.
Once a teacher registers and pays for the National Spanish Assessments via credit card, he/she will receive a confirmation invoice containing a username and password for the teacher’s online account, usernames and passwords for all students registered, and a link with instructions on accessing the free NSE Lingco Practice.
Test Administration
Tests can be administered any time between August 1 and June 30 and must be administered in the same academic year in which they were registered.
Usernames and passwords will be sent to teachers the week after the registration is submitted and the invoice is paid.
Results
Results are available immediately!
To get results, teachers should:
- Log in to their teacher Quia account.
- Click on “Quizzes” in the upper left-hand corner.
- Open the folder of the test level for which they wish to view results.
- Click on “Score Reports” for the correct module.
- View results as desired.
Click here if you would like more information on Retrieving Class and Student Results.
Scores on the National Spanish Assessments can be converted to proficiency ratings for the Interpretive Communication modules of Reading and Listening as follows. The scores in red are ratings for the CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference).
NOTE: The levels do NOT necessarily correspond to course levels but rather to proficiency levels.
(i.e. Level 3 ≠ Spanish III)
PROFICIENCY: READING / LISTENING |
Total Points Earned |
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60 - 90 |
91 - 100 |
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Level 1 |
Novice Mid 0 |
Novice High A1.1 |
Level 2 |
Intermediate Low A1.2 |
Intermediate Mid A2 |
Level 3 |
Intermediate Mid A2 |
Intermediate High B1.1 |
Level 4 |
Intermediate High B1.1 |
Advanced Low B1.2 |
Level 5 |
Advanced Low B1.2 |
Advanced Mid B2 |
Level 6 |
Advanced Mid B2 |
Advanced High C1.1 |
Cost
In order to register students for the National Spanish Assessments, the teacher must be a member of the American Association of Teachers of Spanish and Portuguese (AATSP). Membership renewal dues are $65 per year and can be paid either (1) directly on the NSA online registration form or (2) on the AATSP website.
The National Spanish Assessments cost $3 per student, and the cost includes two tests with each of the four modules at all levels.
There is no discount for teachers wishing to administer only some of the modules. Paying $3 per student entitles the students to all NSA levels including all modules. It is up to the teacher which exams are to be administered.
The NSA invoice must be paid by credit card.
Printable Certificates
Teachers can print out a certificate for each student stating the student’s proficiency level for Interpretive Communication: Reading and Listening.
Click here for Printable Certificates for NSA.
Prizes and Scholarships?
The National Spanish Assessments have no student prizes.
However, teachers that administer the NSA are eligible to apply for our Teacher Awards (Scholarships and Stipends)!
If a teacher would like for students to compete for prizes and scholarships, teachers should register students for the National Spanish Examinations on the