National Spanish
Examination
March 30 and 31, 2015
This PowerPoint was presented the week of September 22, 2014
What is the purpose of the
National Spanish Exam?
• to recognize achievement in the study of
the Spanish language
• to promote proficiency in interpretive
communication in the Spanish language
• to assess the national standards as they
pertain to learning Spanish
• to stimulate further interest in the teaching
and learning of Spanish
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 2014, a
total of 154,268 students participated in
the online version of the exam nationwide.
How long is the test?
• The total time for the exam will be 80 minutes +
5 minutes for the personal information section.
• The test consists of two parts.
– Achievement test based on specifications for
vocabulary and grammar
– Proficiency test which assesses interpretive
communication based on the specifications
for listening and reading comprehension
available online and from Señor Blease
How much does it cost?
•
The cost is $6.50 (due September 29 or 30, whenever your class is) and
covers:
– The Online National Spanish Examination
– Unlimited year long use of the free, online practice exercises and
practice examinations
– Vocabulary lists for every level!
– National and local recognition
• Seven (7) sets of percentiles for each student
• Printable certificates for students who earn medal placement
• If you earn medal placement, you will also be mentioned in
HoofBeat and the Parent Network newsletter
– Prizes (the first year: 4 Northsiders won cash, 2nd year:12 students, 3rd
year: 17 students, 4th: 27 students, 5th: 36 students …next year??)
– Eligibility to compete for Junior Travel Awards and Senior Scholarships.
Even if you’re a sophomore, to be eligible for the Junior Travel award,
you had to have taken it this year
What do I need for the exam day?
An extra pair of headphones will be good to
have in case the ones in the Language
Lab don’t work
When is the exam?
We will take the exam March 30 and/or 31
depending on your class period
Please do not be absent those dates. Make ups
will only be during lunch periods the days of the
exam.
All exams will begin promptly at the beginning of
class.
What are the exam levels and
categories?
• We will test 6 levels and will typically coincide with your
current level of Spanish.
– Ex: Spanish 3=Level 3
– AP Spanish=Level 4, 5, or 6 (depending on your personal level
of aptitude. Your teacher will help you decide this)
• Within those 6 levels are 3 categories
– Regular classroom experience
– Experience with Spanish outside of the classroom*
– Bilingual*
*There are deeper explanations of these categories that I 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: Listening,
memorizing vocabulary, learning new grammar,
immersing yourself in the language
THE VOCABULARY IS THE SECRET TO
SUCCESS! So, take the quizzes seriously.
The NSE website has online practice exams from
past years that you must practice with at home
and in school before taking the exam.
Why should I take the exam?
•
It’s mandatory and counts as a regular exam grade
•
Looks great on college applications
•
National Recognition
Students 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.
•
Local recognition
– If you achieve a medal, your name will be mentioned in HoofBeat and the Parent Network
newsletter
•
Chapter Prizes
The Chicago chapter awards cash prizes of $25, $50, $75, and $100. Last year’s students won
over $1800 total. There is an awards ceremony in May where you will get a check
•
National Awards and Scholarships
Juniors and Seniors scoring above the 75th percentile are eligible to apply for Junior Travel
Awards* and Senior Scholarships*
*Explanation of these on the National Spanish Exam website or ask Señor Blease
What now?
$6.50 will be due Monday, September 29 or Tuesday,
September 30 depending on when your class is. If you
cannot afford to pay $6.50, speak to Señor Blease.
CASH or CHECKS are acceptable. Checks must be
made to: Northside College Prep
Check out the exam website for more info:
www.nationalspanishexam.org
Any additional questions, please contact Señor Blease in
person or via email: rblease@cps.edu