Lamar Consolidated ISD students will soon go through a new testing process for international languages.
What’s happening?
At an Oct. 20 meeting, the Lamar Consolidated ISD board of trustees approved adding Avant World Languages Assessments for Acceleration and Course Credit to the board-approved credit-by-examination options after receiving an in-depth presentation at its Sept. 15 meeting.
“Avant provides Lamar CISD with a modern, standards-aligned assessment system that accurately measures students’ proficiency in languages other than English, while creating a more efficient and student-centered experience,” Director of Multilingual Education Rosemary Anthony said.
From the 2021-22 school year to 2025-26, the number of LCISD students who speak languages other than English increased by 149.1%.
English-as-a-Second-Language, one-way dual language and world languages make up LCISD’s current language programs for pre-K through 12th grade.
What’s new
Avant will expand the number of languages offered for credit by exam from 8 to 71, Anthony said. Its technology also adjusts question difficulty, which will prevent test fatigue while measuring novice, intermediate and advanced levels.
“Avant is an accurate, computer-adapted testing system aligned with state standards that allows us to award credit for languages other than English,” Anthony said.
The current language programs cost $40-80 per test, whereas Avant will only cost $20-25 per test.
Zooming out
Other neighboring school districts, including Katy, Houston, Fort Bend and Spring ISDs, all use Avant, Anthony said.
Additionally, Anthony said Avant would boost student eligibility for the Global Seal of Biliteracy as well as raise LCISD’s academic profile and college and career readiness accountability.
On the horizon
LCISD will pilot Avant World Languages Assessment during the spring semester, with full implementation planned for the 2027–2028 school year, district officials said.
