National Spanish ExaminationMarch 1st - April 10th

Jones College Preparatory High School’s

Spanish Department

would like to invite you to its 1st ANNUAL

What is the National Spanish Exam?

The National Spanish Examination is an online, standardized assessment tool given voluntarily by over 4000 teachers throughout the United States to measure measure interpretive communication and achievement of students who are studying Spanish as a second language.

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 2015, a total of 157,702 students participated in the new online version of the exam.

How long is the test?

• The test consists of two parts. – The achievement section of the test

assesses content standards through specifications for vocabulary and specifications for grammar.

– The interpretive communication section of the test assesses performance standards as defined by the National Spanish Examination Proficiency Levels.  This section assesses both reading comprehension and listening comprehension.

• Each part of the exam is 40 minutes (80 minutes total). Students will have an additional 5 minutes to fill out the student information section of the exam.

How much does it cost?

• The cost is $6 and covers:– The Online National Spanish Examination – Unlimited year long use of the free, online practice

exercises and practice examinations – National recognition

• Seven (7) sets of percentiles for each student • Printable certificates for students who earn medal placement

– Prizes – Eligibility to compete for Global Citizen Scholarships,

Junior Travel Awards and Senior Scholarships

What do I need for the exam day?

All you really need are a set of working headphones.

When is the exam?

The testing window for the National Spanish Exam is March 1 – April 10, 2016. Please see your Spanish teacher for the date and time of your exam.

What are the exam levels and categories?

• At Jones, your test level will typically coincide with your current level of Spanish. – Ex: Spanish 1=Level 1– AP Spanish=Level 5 or 6 (depending on your personal level of

aptitude

• Within each level are 3 categories– Classroom experience– Outside Experience*– Bilingual*

*There are deeper explanations of these categories that your Spanish teacher 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.

Once you know your level and category of exam, your teacher will pass out a study guide for that level to you.

AATSP has online practice exams from past years that you must practice with before taking the exam.

Why would I want to take the exam?

• 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.

• Chapter PrizesMost chapters present awards to their chapter winners.  The awards vary from chapter to chapter.  Some chapters recognize numerous places and also have Honorable Mention categories while other chapters award cash prizes, Spanish dictionaries, Spanish music, books about Spanish countries, savings bonds, etc. 

• National Awards and ScholarshipsJuniors and Seniors scoring above the 75th percentile are eligible to apply for Junior Travel Awards* and Senior Scholarships*. Students in Grades 8, 9 or 10 scoring above the 75th percentile are eligible to apply for the Global Citizen Scholarships.

*Explanation of these on the National Spanish Exam website or ask your Spanish teacher.

What now?

Anyone can apply to take the exam.

$6 will be due no later than Wednesday, December 16, 2015 by 3:15 p.m. CASH or CHECKS are acceptable. Checks must be made to: Jones College Prep

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

If you have additional questions please see one of the Spanish teachers.