Effective April 10, 2017 Paraprofessional and Clerical candidates applying for Spanish designated assignments with Denver Public Schools will be required to successfully complete a Spanish language proficiency exam proctored by Berlitz Languages, Inc.. DPS Multicultural Services will no longer proctor these tests.
Cost and reimbursement process
Each test attempt (speaking & reading) costs $70.00. Once a candidate successfully completes the exam and is hired to perform in the capacity of an ELA-S designated assignment, he or she can submit a request for $70 in reimbursement via the DPS Accounts Payable system.
About the exam
Administered by Berlitz, the Spanish Language Proficiency (SLP) Exam for Paraprofessional or Clerical candidates consists of two components: speaking skills and reading comprehension.
Candidates must pass both portions of the SLP Exam to be considered by the Department of Human Resources as Spanish-qualified applicants.
If a candidate fails either portions of the exam, he or she is allowed to retake that portion of the test only two more times. Candidates must wait 30 days between test administrations.
Speaking test and passing score
The Berlitz Simulated Oral Proficiency Interview (SOPI) is an oral proficiency testing system designed to accurately measure the examinee’s oral communicative ability in a professional setting.
The SOPI consists of six situations where the examinee speaks to a native speaker of Spanish. In each situation, the examinee reads and listens to a description of the situation and sees on the computer a picture of the person or people to whom he or she will speak. The examinee is then given 15 to 40 seconds to plan his or her response, and 30 to 90 seconds to respond.
This 20 minute test of speaking skills is delivered via a computer-based platform. The Berlitz SOPI combines the efficiency and reliability of online administration with the validity of human scoring.
The passing score is a B1 on the CEFR Scale.
Reading test and passing score
The reading test consists of five paragraphs with 12 questions. Examinees are given 30 minutes to complete the reading comprehension portion.
The passing score is 8 correct answers minimum using a DPS 1-12 possible reading comprehension answer test.
Denver Public Schools and Examinees will receive results within 5 business days of the test date.