GERMAN LANGUAGE INSTRUCTION FOR STUDENTS OF ALL AGES

WHY DO WE GIVE TESTS?

We give tests to see how our students progress during the year and from year to year in their proficiency to use the German language in communication both in spoken and written form. Also, it is a way to demonstrate strengths and help to identify weaknesses in language acquisition that can be corrected before the student becomes discouraged and drops out.

WHICH TESTS ARE GIVEN?

All teachers give informal teacher-made tests; these frequent tests should be a success experience for the children. In the primary grades it is best to do this as part of a review of the material studied the previous Saturday. From second grade on there will be two semester tests each year that are prepared by the classroom teacher to reinforce what has been covered in the semester. From grade level six on through nine, our students participate in the AATG Testing program which is prepared by the American Association of Teacher of German for high school students. We give the AATG Level 2, Level 3, and Level 4 and group the students according to their level of proficiency. We use the testing material from past years to familiarize the students with the format of the test before our Winter recess, since we will administer the formal test on the day we return from our Winter Recess.

Watchung Hills Regional High School, our host school, offers us the opportunity to participate in the SAT II and Advanced Placement (AP) examinations if students are interested in taking those tests to earn credits towards graduation or gain entrance to a college of their choice.

The Deutsche Sprachschule prepares students for the Sprach-Diplome A2, B1 and C1, examinations developed by the German Ministry of Education and Culture, and also evaluated by them. Students and teachers work very hard to get the students ready for these demanding examinations. Each of the levels reflects the different proficiencies demanded by the European Achievement Standards. The C1 attests that the student is able to function in Germany and attend a University there without having to take a language examination. For years many of our students have successfully passed these examinations and have been honored in the German Consulate in New York with a special celebration. We encourage our students to strive for this high distinction.