World Languages Software Evaluation Form
All software purchases not appearing on the approved MMSD World Languages software lists
must be reviewed using this document.
Software Title: _____________________________________________________
Version/Edition: ______________________
Author(s): ______________________
Languages Supported: ______________________
Publisher: ___________________________
Copyright date: _______________
Vendor Contact Info: ____________________________________________________________
Platform:






Web-based
Server-based
PC-based
CD / DVD-based
Windows
Mac
Staff and grade(s) that will use the software: _________________________________________
Grade Level, Lexile/text reading level or age range of students: ___________________________
Subject area: ___________________________
Additional or replacement software?
 Additional
 Replacement
If replacement, what is being replaced? ______________________________________________
Plan and timeline for evaluation materials:______________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
Provide a brief description and the purpose/goals of the software: __________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
Desired implementation date: __/__/____
Updated 2/7/2016
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World Languages Software Evaluation Form
Usage Descriptors: Indicate how the software fits into the MMSD’s framework for Instruction:
______ Primary Resource for all students in the core World Languages classroom (Core)
______ Supplementary to core standards-based World Languages instruction for all students
______ Implemented as intervention to support differentiation for some students within the
standards-based World Languages classroom (Tier 1)
______ Implemented as an accommodation/modification for a few students who need
additional support in a specific component of standards-based World Languages instruction
(Tier 2 or 3)
What are the approaches present in the software? (Mark all that apply)
_______ Explicit instruction
_______ Presentation/demonstration
_______ Differentiation using assessment and leveling
_______ Group work
_______ 1-1, student-computer work
_______ Discussion
_______ Drill & practice
_______ Exclusive use of target language
_______ Native speakers of target language
_______ Authentic contexts for language usage including cultural components
_______ Development of multiple domains of language
Building: __________________________
Computer location (room/lab #) for installing the program: ______________________________
Number of computers you want the program installed on? ___________
Inventory tag numbers if the computers are not in the lab or LMC: _________________________
License:  Single
 Classroom lab
Number of licenses:
Cost per license:
Total Cost:
Annual Renewal Cost:
Funding source:
 Site/Building
 District
__________
__________
__________
__________
_________________________________________
Review Committee:
Committee Member Name
School or Department
_____________________________
___________________
_______________________
_____________________________
___________________
_______________________
_____________________________
___________________
_______________________
_____________________________
___________________
_______________________
_____________________________
___________________
_______________________
Committee Work Submission Date:
District Role
______________________________
____________________________________________
__________________
Supervisor/Principal Signature
Date
Updated 2/7/2016
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World Languages Software Evaluation Form
II. Alignment to World Languages Core Practices & Standards (5 C’s)
A. World Languages Core Practices: To what extent does the software accurately represent the core
instructional practices in World Languages instruction?
1
2
Core practices not always
present
3
4
Core practices
somewhat present
5
Core practices frequently
present
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
B. Communication: Communicate in Languages Other than English: How effectively does the
software facilitate the development of skills to effectively communicate in target language?
1
2
Limited opportunities to
communicate in target language
3
4
Some opportunities to
communicate in target language
5
Rich and authentic
opportunities to communicate
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
C. Cultures: Gain Knowledge and Understanding of Other Cultures: How well is the software
designed to facilitate increased knowledge and understanding of other cultures?
1
2
Poorly designed
3
4
Mixed quality
5
Rich opportunities
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
D. Connections: Connect with Other Disciplines and Acquire Information: To what level does the
software allow students to make connections with other disciplines and acquire information and
recognize distinctive viewpoints through the target language and its cultures?
1
2
Little or no emphasis
3
4
Some emphasis at times
5
Authentic and well-designed
emphasis
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
E. Comparisons: Develop Insight into the Nature of Language and Culture: How adequate is the
software in helping students develop an understanding of the nature of language and culture by
making comparisons to their own?
1
Little or no emphasis
2
3
Some emphasis
4
5
Authentic and well-designed
emphasis
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
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World Languages Software Evaluation Form
F. Communities: Participate in Multilingual Communities at Home and Around the World: To
what degree does the software allow students to use the target language both within and beyond the
school setting?
1
2
Not often or not at all
3
4
5
Occasionally
Frequently
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
III. Pedagogical Design Elements
A. What degree of emphasis does the software place on providing students with the opportunity to
authentically pose questions, organize information, interpret information, evaluate multiple
perspectives, communicate findings, and reflect on what was learned?
1
2
No opportunity
3
4
Some opportunity
5
Rich and well-designed
opportunities
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
B. To what degree did you find the software to be free from bias, promoting political agendas or special
interests?
1
2
Highly biased
LOW
3
4
5
Not biased
HIGH
MEDIUM
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
C. How would you rate the overall developmental appropriateness of the software, given the intended
audience at the targeted level(s)?
1
2
Not appropriate
3
4
5
Somewhat appropriate
Appropriate
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
D. Is the software likely to be interesting, engaging, and effective for targeted students?
1
Not at all interesting
2
3
Somewhat interesting
4
5
Interesting and engaging
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
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World Languages Software Evaluation Form
IV. Attention to Learner Needs
A. Cultural Relevancy & Diversity: The cultural references address the student’s background
knowledge and life experiences.
1
2
3
4
5
N/A
Poor
Fair
Good
Excellent
__________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
B. Students with Special Needs: The materials are based on universal access and lend themselves
to differentiation.
1
2
3
4
5
N/A
Poor
Fair
Good
Excellent
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
C. English Language Learners: The language used can accessed by English Language Learners as
applicable.
1
2
3
4
5
N/A
Poor
Fair
Good
Excellent
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
D. Gender Bias: The images and text are gender fair.
1
2
3
N/A
Poor
Fair
4
5
Good
Excellent
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
E. Students with Accelerated Needs: Materials provide adaptability to a range of student abilities.
1
2
3
4
5
N/A
Poor
Fair
Good
Excellent
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
F. Formats: Is the software available in Braille, large print, CD/audio tape/MP3 format, and/or
adapted/supported versions?
1
Not available
2
3
Little or no availability
4
5
Many formats available
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
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World Languages Software Evaluation Form
V. Assessment
A. How well do the assessment tasks correspond with and reinforce the World Languages core
instructional practices?
1
2
3
Unclear connection
4
Some connection
5
Clear connection
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
B. Does the software include multiple kinds of authentic & contextualized assessments (e.g.,
performance, reflection, portfolios, student interviews, embedded projects)?
1
2
Little or no student
assessment provided
3
4
Somewhat variety of
student assessment
5
Complete student
assessment package
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
C. Are the assessment practices appropriate for all students?
1
2
Appropriate for a few
3
4
Appropriate for most
5
Appropriate for all
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
VI. Implementation and System Support
A. Will the teachers find the software interesting and engaging?
1
2
Dry and boring
3
4
Somewhat interesting
and engaging
5
Interesting and engaging
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
B. Does the software include information and guidance to assist the teacher in implementing the
lessons?
1
No teacher support
2
3
Some teacher support
4
5
Rich and useful teacher support
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
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World Languages Software Evaluation Form
VII. Final recommendation & comments: To what extent to support approval of this software?
1
2
Do not recommend approval
3
4
Somewhat recommend
approval
5
Strongly recommend approval
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
Completion of this form completes the first step in consideration of the software. After review, a dialogue
around application, implementation, and necessary professional development will follow. Signing below
signifies your agreement with the content of this review.
Review team signatures:
__________________________________
__________________________________
__________________________________
__________________________________
__________________________________
__________________________________
Submit to:
Jenni Zupan, World Languages Instructional Resource Teacher
Doyle 124A
jzupan@madison.k12.wi.us
(608) 663-1501
(608) 442-2160 (fax)
Updated 2/7/2016
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