By Lucy Schraff

Faculty Mentor: Marisa Martinez Mira

Abstract

The purpose of this research paper is to analyze the effectiveness of the UMW Spanish Language Placement exam in evaluating Heritage speakers’ level of Spanish. To create a context for the effectiveness of this placement exam, the paper will analyze the population of Heritage Spanish speakers within the university’s student population as well as proportionally compare the population of heritage-speaking high school students in Virginia, and the likelihood that these students will attend UMW and take the placement exam. As the rate of high school students attending two and four-year colleges is declining, one of the few populations that does not adhere to this trend is Hispanics. The Spanish language Placement Exam at UMW should be linguistically compatible with all populations of Spanish speakers, especially with the increasing number of Hispanic (and potential heritage-speaking) students attending post-secondary institutions. In addition to evaluating the application of this exam to the UMW student population, this paper will break down the structure of the placement exam, created by AVANT. Does the levels of Spanish proficiency created from test results accurately describe the Spanish proficiency of test takers, and will it represent all test takers as the UMW student population evolves?