NOTE: The "celebration" and "recognition" dates cited above are subject to change annually. 

Quick Reference FAQs:

Q: What is the purpose of the STAMP test?

A: The purpose of the STAMP is to measure a student's communication skills (what a student knows and is able to do) in a language other than English across all 4 communicative skill areas (reading, writing, speaking, listening).  The STAMP is an adaptive test and assets-based. It highlights what a student can do as opposed to what they do not know. 

Q: Who takes the STAMP test?

A: All 8th grade and 11th grade world languages students will take the STAMP test in the spring semester of their world languages class. There is no fee and there is no impact to the student's class or quarter grade, GPA, or class rank. 

In addition, 12th grade students are provided the opportunity to sign up for the STAMP to measure their communication skills in a home language, language learned outside of school, or to re-test to show growth from their 11th grade in-class test. Students may test in as many languages as they like. It is not uncommon for Needham students to take the STAMP for 2 or more languages. 

Q: Is there a performance report? How is the information used? 

A: Each student will receive a personalized score report which includes a breakdown of their demonstrated proficiency level for each skill area (reading, writing, speaking and listening). A concrete set of "level up" recommendations for growth is provided for each skill area.  In collaboration with their teachers, students will use their score reports to reflect on their learning and to set goals for continued growth. Teachers will use the data to inform individual and class-based learning goals as well as to inform curriculum design and methods choices.