To determine which level of language to select on your application, review previous SASLI syllabi to gauge the expected materials and goals at various levels. You may also ask a prior instructor for guidance on the level to which you should apply.
The application will also ask you to describe your formal study of the language and informal exposure you’ve had to help us identify your level. In many cases, the class size will be small enough for our skilled instructors to meet you at your level. In some cases, you may be asked to complete an informal assessment with the instructor before classes begin, especially if switching to another level is not possible.
Finally, you may consult the language acquisition “Can-Do” statements by the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL) to determine which level matches your abilities. These statements represent benchmarks typical for learners at specific levels. They are also helpful for thinking about language learning progress, abilities, and goals.
- Novice/Elementary Level – If your abilities stick closely to the “Novice Low” and “Novice Mid” can-do statements, you are likely a good fit for the Elementary level. If you see yourself more in the “Novice High” level, consider the Intermediate level can-do statements as well to decide which fits better with your abilities.
- Intermediate Level – If your abilities stick closely to the “Intermediate Low” and “Intermediate Mid” can-do statements, you are likely a good fit for the Intermediate level. If you see yourself more in the “Intermediate High” column, consider the Advanced level can-do statements as well to decide which seems to fit better with your abilities.
- Advanced Level – If your abilities stick closely to the “Advanced Low” and “Advanced Mid” can-do statements, you are likely a good fit for the Intermediate level. If you see yourself more in the “Advanced High” column, please contact us to discuss whether SASLI is the right fit for your language studies.
During the first week of SASLI, our pedagogy coordinator and instructors will help place students in the level best fit for where they currently are and what they might like to achieve during the summer. Questions about placement? Don’t hesitate to contact us at wisli@lpo.wisc.edu.