To address the needs of heritage language educators, the Center for Applied Linguistics developed a component of the Understanding Assessment tutorial on selecting assessments for heritage language learners and programs.
CAL conducted a literature review that examined current trends in and research related to heritage language assessment. Interviews with eight heritage language educators were conducted to investigate testing uses, needs, and challenges in heritage language programs. Finally, an online survey was distributed to heritage language educators to better understand current assessment practices and needs within this community. Findings from each research component were used to develop a new online resource for heritage language educators.
The Heritage Language Assessment Module is designed to help educators working in K-12 heritage language classes, community-based heritage language schools, and university-level heritage language courses. It includes an overview of the linguistic and cultural profiles of heritage language learners, special considerations for working with this population, and the resulting implications for assessment.
