World Language Competency Credits (WLCC)
The nationally normed proficiency tests are used by businesses, government and the military for salary and job placement. They are most appropriate for older adolescents. Our current testing infrastructure is designed to test high school students, so middle school students are asked to wait until the fall of 9th grade to test.
World Language Competency Credits (WLCC)
The world language credit program is a way to earn high school credit for a language that you already speak, read and write.
Skills Tested
The test is based on language proficiency: “What individuals can do with Language in terms of SPEAKING, WRITING, LISTENING AND READING in real-world situations in a spontaneous and non-rehearsed context”. If you are unable to read or write the language, this test is not appropriate for you.
Listening
I can understand ideas on familiar topics expressed through phrases, short sentences, and frequently used expressions. (For American Sign Language (ASL) this skill involves understanding signed language.)
Reading
I can understand the main idea and some details in simple texts that contain familiar vocabulary.
Spontaneous Conversation
I can exchange information with another person about familiar tasks, topics, and activities.
On-Demand Writing
I can write simple descriptions and short messages and request or provide information on familiar topics.
If you can read, write and speak Spanish, you can take a test with all questions in Spanish and no English.
Opción 100% en español disponible para estudiantes que no hablan o escriben en inglés. Escoge la opción “Spanish Monolingual” cuando te registres.
WLCC Testing Dates 2023-24
Newport High School October 25, 2023 – 8:00 a.m.
- Registration Closing Date: October 15th, 2023
- Who can test: ONLY Newport High School Students
- Testing Location*: Newport High School Library
- Registration link (use your BSD laptop to register)
Bellevue High School December 6, 2023 – 8:00 a.m.
- Registration Closing Date: November 26th, 2023
- Who can test: ONLY Bellevue High School Students
- Testing Location*: Bellevue High School Library
- Registration link (use your BSD laptop to register)
Sammamish High School, Big Picture, Digital Discovery, and International February 7, 2024 – 7:45 a.m. check-in
- Registration Closing Date: ended January 7, 2024
- Who is testing: Sammamish High School, Big Picture High School, Digital Discovery High School, International High School
- Testing Location*: Sammamish High School Library
Interlake High School March 6, 2024 – 7:45 a.m. check-in
- Registration Closing Date: February 25, 2024
- Who can test: Interlake High School
- Testing Location*: Interlake High School Library
- Registration link (use your BSD laptop to register)
Make Up – ALL High Schools April 3, 2024 – 7:45 a.m. check-in
- Registration Closing Date: March 24, 2024
- Who can test: All High Schools: Bellevue High School, Interlake, Newport High School, Sammamish High School, Big Picture High School, Digital Discovery High School, International High School
- Testing Location*: Sammamish High School Library
- Registration Link (use your BSD Laptop to Register)
* When at capacity: Test priority goes to Seniors.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will credits and the Seal of Biliteracy be added to the students’ transcript?
Credits and the Seal of Biliteracy will be added into students’ transcript by the end of the school year.
Can I take the Test in 8th Grade?
The nationally normed proficiency tests are used by businesses, government and the military for salary and job placement. They are most appropriate for older adolescents. Our current testing infrastructure is designed to test high school students, so middle school students are asked to wait until 9th grade to test.
I’m a Bellevue Digital Discovery Student; where do I test?
Please sign up for the test at Sammamish High School or the district-wide Make-Up Test that takes place at Sammamish High School.
How do I study?
The test is based on language proficiency. “what individuals can do with language in terms of speaking, writing, listening, and reading in real-world situations in a spontaneous and non-rehearsed context” – See more at: ACTFL Proficiency Guidelines 2012.
Although it is not directly possible to study for a language proficiency test in a traditional sense, you can practice the four skills and ask for feedback from educated native speakers in your community.
- Reading: understanding current events websites and children’s stories
- Writing: writing email, short informational articles, and anecdotes about what you did in the past
- Speaking: talking about your life as well as current events
- Listening: understanding the main idea from podcasts or radio
Tests to practice the format will be emailed a week before the test.
How can I get credit if I took the test elsewhere?
Complete this online form and upload your original test scores from your Bellevue computer. The proctor must be pre-approved.
How are the Credits Calculated?
Credits are based on the lowest score. We calculate the credits based on the lowest score. The lowest score shows the student’s level of proficiency across all skills.
Do the World Language Competency Credits meet the high school graduation requirements?
If a student earns 2 or more credits, they will meet the Washington High School graduation requirements. This will allow them to pursue another language or field of study. If the student speaks Chinese Mandarin, French, Japanese or Spanish, they may also be able to continue their study at higher levels in high school. If your student plans to enroll in the International Baccalaureate (I.B.) program, the student will need to choose at least two languages of study to qualify for the I.B. diploma. Check with the I.B. director at Interlake for details.
Do colleges recognize the competency credits?
The credits earned through this program show up on your high school transcript with a passing grade. The competency credits meet the language college entrance requirements for many colleges in the state of Washington. Students should verify details with the college or university of interest.
What is the process to add language credits on the transcript?
- All approved Competency-based World Language Credits will be posted to the Bellevue School District transcript as credit earned without grades attached to them.
- The approved Competency-based World Language Credits cannot replace an unsatisfactory (D/F) grade posted on the BSD transcript for an equivalent course. It will be posted in a separate area of the BSD transcript.
- Students cannot have duplicate credits for classes already taken.
- After students have received Competency-based World Language Credits for a certain level of a language, they may not take an equivalent or a lower-level class in that same language.
- Students may use approved Competency-based World Language Credits for placement purposes in higher level World Language courses.
- Competency-based World Language Credits may be used to meet World Language graduation requirements.
- Students who receive 4 credits will also automatically qualify for the Seal of Biliteracy.
How much does the test cost?
The cost varies by test between $25 and $250. We choose the cheapest and most appropriate test for you at registration based on your answers. The fee will be entered into your account 7 school days before the test when you can pay the accountant at your school or online at Intouch System.
Note: If you qualify for Free/Reduced Lunch make sure to check the box – allow nutrition services to share your information. The fee will be $0 in that case.