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Test Structure for Italian Language Skills

 

 

IAA Italian Test consists of four separate subtests, each composed of both multiple-choice and constructed response questions. The subtests are scored jointly.

 

The structure of the examination is shown in the table below.

 

IAA: Italian

Subtest

Domains

Number of Multiple-Choise Questions

Number of Constructed-Response Questions

A

Listening Comprehension
    (items from number 1 to 15)

15

1 short focused
     (item 16)

B

Reading Coprehension
    (items from number 17 to 31)

15

1 short focused
     (item 32)

C

Written Expression
    (items number 33 and 34)

none

2 extended

D

Oral Expression
    (items number 35 and 36)

none

2 short

 

Subtest Total: 36 items

30

4 short
    2 extended

 

See the Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) web site at www.ctc.ca.gov for more information about certification requirements.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Logo IAA.pngTasks Duration

 

Multiple-choices questions

Duration

Listening Comprehension (1-15)

70 min.

Reading Comprehension (17-31)

60min.

Constructed-response questions

Duration

Short-(focused) response

 

Listening Comprehension (16)

15 min.

Reading Comprehension (32)

15 min.

Extended response

 

Written Expression (33 and 34)

70 min.

Oral Expression (35 and 36)*

20 min.

Total

250 min.

 

*This part of the exam will be the last one on which the candidate will be tested.


Logo IAA.pngScoring Scale

Multiple-choices questions

Points

Total points 100/300             grade scale

Listening Comprehension (from 1 to 15)

3

45

Reading Comprehension (17-31)

3

45

Short-(focused) response (16 and 32)

 

70

Listening Comprehension (16)

35

 

Reading Comprehension (32)

35

 

Written expression (33 and 34)

 

80

Extended response – opinion (33)

40

 

Extended response - cultural topic (34)

40

 

Oral Expression (35 and 36)

 

60

Speaking exercise – description (35)

30

 

Speaking exercise – presentation (36)

30

 

Total

 

300

 

There is no penalty for guessing. 

Responses to constructed-response questions are scored by qualified California educators using focused holistic scoring.

 

An additional short (focused)-response question (SFRQ) is required both for listening and reading in the second section of the text (in Italian or in English). The grade will be assigned depending on the degree of precision and completeness of the answers provided.

Logo IAA.pngPerformance Characteristics

 

The following performance characteristics will guide the scoring of responses to the constructed-response

questions on Italian.

 

PURPOSE

The extent to which the response addresses the constructed-response assignment's charge.

SUBJECT MATTER KNOWLEDGE

The application of accurate subject matter knowledge.

SUPPORT

The appropriateness and quality of the supporting evidence.

 

Relevant Subject Matter Requirements for General Linguistics

• Demonstrate an understanding of the nature, purposes, and uses of language.

• Demonstrate an understanding of the development of language and the significance of language change, including the variations that occur within the contexts of time, place, age, gender, and situation.

• Demonstrate an understanding of the principles of pragmatics, discourse analysis, and the theory of speech acts.

• Demonstrate an understanding of theories of language acquisition and learning.

 

Relevant Subject Matter Requirements for Linguistics of the Target Language

• Demonstrate an understanding of the phonology of the target language.

• Demonstrate an understanding of the orthography of the target language.

• Demonstrate an understanding of the morphology of the target language.

• Demonstrate an understanding of the syntax of the target language.

• Demonstrate an understanding of the semantics of the target language.

• Describe changes that occur in the target language over time.

• Analyze and contrast linguistic structures of the target language and English.

• Compare and contrast particular words, idioms, and inflections in the target language and English.


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Two extended-response questions (ERQ) will test writing skills (only in Italian). The grade will be assigned depending on the degree of precision and completeness of the answers provided.

 

Two short (focused)-response questions will test speaking skills (only in Italian). The grade will be assigned depending on the degree of precision and completeness of the answers provided.

 

Two different scoring scales will be used to score responses in the two sections of the test, from 1 to 3 for the SFRQ and from 1 to 4 for the ERQ.

 

Scores will be assigned to each response to the constructed-response questions on Italian according to the following scoring scale.

 

Extended sesponse question

SCORE
POINT

SCORE POINT DESCRIPTION

4

The "4" response reflects a thorough command of the relevant knowledge and skills.
• The purpose of the assignment is fully achieved.
• There is a substantial and accurate application of relevant subject matter knowledge.
• The supporting evidence is sound; there are high-quality, relevant examples.
• The response reflects a comprehensive understanding of the assignment.

3

The "3" response reflects a command of the relevant knowledge and skills.
• The purpose of the assignment is fully achieved.
• There is an accurate application of relevant subject matter knowledge.
• There is appropriate and specific relevant supporting evidence.

2

The "2" response reflects a general command of the relevant knowledge and skills.
• The purpose of the assignment is largely achieved.
• There is a largely accurate application of relevant subject matter knowledge.
• There is acceptable relevant supporting evidence.

1

The "1" response reflects a limited or no command of the relevant knowledge and skills.
• The purpose of the assignment is only partially or not achieved.
• There is limited or no application of relevant subject matter knowledge.
• There is little or no relevant supporting evidence.

U

The "U" (Unscorable) is assigned to a response that is unrelated to the assignment, illegible, not in the target language or English, or does not contain a sufficient amount of original work to score.

B

The "B" (Blank) is assigned to a response that is blank.

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Short focused question

SCORE
POINT

SCORE POINT DESCRIPTION

3

The "3" response reflects a command of the relevant knowledge and skills.
• The purpose of the assignment is fully achieved.
• There is an accurate application of relevant subject matter knowledge.
• There is appropriate and specific relevant supporting evidence.

2

The "2" response reflects a general command of the relevant knowledge and skills.
• The purpose of the assignment is largely achieved.
• There is a largely accurate application of relevant subject matter knowledge.
• There is acceptable relevant supporting evidence.

1

The "1" response reflects a limited or no command of the relevant knowledge and skills.
• The purpose of the assignment is only partially or not achieved.
• There is limited or no application of relevant subject matter knowledge.
• There is little or no relevant supporting evidence.

U

The "U" (Unscorable) is assigned to a response that is unrelated to the assignment, illegible, not in the target language or English, or does not contain a sufficient amount of original work to score.

B

The "B" (Blank) is assigned to a response that is blank.