This workshop introduces the ACTFL rating scale, the structure of the Oral Proficiency Interview (OPI) and techniques of administering and rating the OPI, including its applications in the language classroom.* Participants observe and conduct practice interviews at all proficiency levels, Novice - Superior. Participation in a Virtual OPI Assessment Workshop is the first step towards becoming an ACTFL Certified OPI Tester with either Limited or Full Certification.
The format of the course is a hybrid of asynchronous course work (on-demand modules via ACTFL's Learning Management System) and synchronous videoconferencing meetings with a facilitator. The last week of the course includes the practice interviews with feedback and discussion from the facilitator and other participants. Although this workshop is similar to the in-person, 4-day OPI workshop, it includes additional content. (Total of 30 hours of professional development)
IMPORTANT: The on-demand modules are entirely in English, but the live discussion and interview sessions are in the language of your chosen cohort (Chinese, English, Spanish). If you do not teach one of the languages listed, we welcome you to join the English/Mixed Languages cohort -- please keep in mind that we recommend at least Advanced level proficiency in English to gain the most out of the workshop. This course is very content-heavy. Make sure to plan on at least seven hours per week outside of the zoom sessions to make sure you have sufficient time to complete each module on time. The online modules close one week after the last day of Zoom interviews. You must complete all online modules and attend all Zoom sessions in their entirety to receive a certificate of completion and be eligible to apply for OPI Tester Certification. Following completion of this workshop, you are eligible to apply for OPI Tester Certification in the language of your choice.
NOTE: Language-specific cohorts will remain available based on enrollment. It is possible that language-specific cohorts may be cancelled and registrants invited to join the English/Mixed Languages cohort should registration numbers be too low to hold a separate workshop. Encourage your colleagues to join you to ensure that your language-specific cohort can be held!
*Please note that this workshop is based on the ACTFL Proficiency Guidelines 2012.
Workshop Schedule: Monday, February 5 - Sunday, March 10, 2024
Participants Complete Modules 1, 2, 3 – Monday, February 5 – Thursday, February 15
Zoom Review Session – Thursday, February 15 at 7:30pm - 9:00pm Eastern Time
Participants Complete Modules 4 & 5 – Friday, February 16 – Thursday, February 29
Zoom Review Session and Exemplar Interview – Thursday, February 29 at 6:00pm - 8:30pm Eastern Time
Zoom Interview Sessions: Day 1 – Saturday, March 2: 11:00am - 5:15pm Eastern Time
Zoom Interview Sessions: Day 2 – Sunday, March 3: 11:00am - 5:15pm Eastern Time
Interview Schedule for Days 1 and 2 (both days must be attended!)
11:00am – 12:00pm ET
12:00pm – 1:00pm ET
1 hour break
2:00pm – 3:00pm ET
3:00pm – 4:00 pm ET
15-minute break
4:15pm – 5:15pm ET
IMPORTANT: Each participant will be asked to identify one volunteer interviewee at the Novice - Superior level for the language of their chosen cohort (Chinese, English, or Spanish). According to best practice, this volunteer will be interviewed by a different participant within the cohort. Volunteer interviewees are provided a $25 Amazon gift card if they are scheduled and complete a mock interview.
Participants complete Module 6 and final summative workshop assessment: Monday, March 4 - Sunday, March 10
Access to course ends: Sunday, March 10
On-Demand Module Content and Approximate Time Commitment
| Module 1: Introduction to the OPI Familiarization Workshop |
1-2 hours |
| Module 2: Proficiency, the OPI, the ACTFL Rating Scale, and the Assessment Criteria |
3-4 hours |
| Module 3: The Sublevels, the Structure of the OPI, and Effective Elicitation |
3-4 hours |
| Module 4: Applications and Implications of the OPI |
3-4 hours |
| Module 5: Additional Preparation for OPI Testing |
3-4 hours |
| Module 6: Certification Pathway |
1-2 hours |
Member Rate: Membership dues must be paid prior to registering for the workshop to register at the member rate. Please note, ACTFL will not refund the difference for those who register at the nonmember rate and then later join ACTFL. ACTFL membership fees are non-transferable and non-refundable.
School Purchase Orders: If you need to submit a purchase order, please email plc@actfl.org for further instructions. Please make sure to read our full Purchase Order page for additional details and requirements.
Cancellation Policy: All cancellation requests must be made in writing to plc@actfl.org. Refunds cannot be processed for cancellations after the start date of the workshop. Should you need to cancel, you will be charged a 20% cancellation fee. Refunds will be processed in the same manner in which payment was received. Please allow 2-3 weeks for processing.