Avant STAMP Overview
Avant STAMP for ASL is a first-of-its-kind American Sign Language test, developed for second-language learners of ASL and Children of Deaf Adults (CODA) in collaboration with Bridges Oregon—one of only two organizations that deliver the National Sign Language Assessment (NSLA). This assessment was developed to align with the same proficiency scale and rigor as all other Avant STAMP tests. It has 2 sections: Receptive and Expressive.
Each test taker should read through the Test Taker Guide.
3 prompts
3 prompts
How the Test Works
Receptive questions are multiple-choice and are scored automatically. The section is computer-adaptive, and results are available immediately upon completion.
Expressive responses are recorded using a webcam. They are rated by Avant Certified Raters who use a Scoring Rubric that lists the criteria for meeting Benchmark Levels.
Test Rules
Tests are taken in a proctored environment with no outside resources allowed.
- Do not click outside the test window. This is tracked and will log you out of the test.
- Do not use any support materials (e.g., dictionaries, textbooks, cell phones, apps, messaging tools, or translation aids such as Google Translate).
- Do not take notes (paper-based or electronic). Paper, pens, pencils, styluses, etc. are not allowed.
- Do not read/use any notes or support materials for your speaking/expressive responses.
- Do not communicate with anyone except the proctor during the test.
- Do not share test questions or prompts. Do not copy, print, or take screenshots of the test.
- Do not use violent, profane, or inappropriate language in your responses.
Preparing for the Test
Avant STAMP is a proficiency test of what the test taker can do with the language at this point in time. There are no “right” or “wrong” answers, simply a demonstration of their skills.
To help each test taker prepare, we do have several resources to help:
Sample Tests
Shows what the test will look like and gives examples of Novice, Intermediate, and Advanced questions and prompts. It does not show the computer-adaptive nature of the test and will not give a score at the end.
Video Tutorials
Helps the test taker understand how to do their best and what to expect during testing.
Benchmarks and Rubrics
This guide helps to understand how the test is scored and provides question topics that might be used at each level.
Assessment Results
After scoring is completed, results will be provided to the school or organization administering the test.
The report shows how your student performed in each skill (Receptive, Expressive) and gives an overall (composite) score.
The score for each skill is shown in a graphic format, with the filled section showing the level attained. For the Expressive section, an additional shaded area may appear if one response was rated at a higher level—this is an alert that the test taker may be performing across a range of proficiency levels for that skill.
Next to each score, you’ll see a description of the skill (Receptive, Expressive) and level category (Novice, Intermediate, Advanced), along with Power Up Suggestions the test taker can work on to reach a higher score. If a test section wasn’t finished, this area will instead show the status: Not Started or In Progress.
For a detailed explanation of how scores are determined, see the Benchmark and Rubric Guide, which describes what is expected at each level. If you have questions about an individual student’s scores, please contact the school or organization that gave the test.
Understanding the Scores
To understand more about the Individual Report scores, see the Benchmark and Rubric Guide. The rubric outlines in detail what expectations are placed upon the test takers for performance at any given level. For more information about a specific test taker’s scores, contact the organization that administered the test.