Language Learning and Testing FoundationOur Language Aptitude Tests
Modern Language Aptitude Test (MLAT)
Modern Language Aptitude Test – Online (MLAT-O)
Appropriate for adults, college/university students.
Available in a paper-based version (MLAT) as well as an on-line version (MLAT-O).
Common Uses
- Selection and placement of language learners by government agencies, missionary groups, and companies.
- Diagnosis of foreign language learning disability (FLLD) for college/university students and adults.
- Placement of language learners in the most appropriate instructional settings in colleges/universities or other formal classroom settings.
Modern Language Aptitude Test – Elementary Version (MLAT-E)
Appropriate for students in grades 3-6 whose first language is English.
Common Uses
- Providing guidance to elementary school students beginning or struggling with foreign language study.
- Advising students who do well on the test to pursue the study of a second and/or third language.
- Building a history of low performance on language aptitude measures to establish the presence of a foreign language learning disability.
- Placement of language learners in the most appropriate instructional setting in grades 3-6.
- Understanding a student’s cognitive strengths and weaknesses pertaining to language learning.
Modern Language Aptitude Test – Elementary– Spanish Version (MLAT-ES)
Appropriate for students in grades 3-6 whose first language is Spanish.
Spanish language adaptation of the MLAT-E.
Can be used with Spanish-speaking children in the United States or with native Spanish-speaking children in other countries.
Common Uses
- Determining if a Spanish-speaking child in the United States is having difficulty learning English as a second language has a language learning disability.
- Providing guidance to teachers and parents of Spanish-speaking elementary school students beginning or struggling with foreign language study.
- Advising students who do well on the test to pursue the study of a second and/or third language.
- Building a history of language learning difficulty to aid in the diagnosis of a foreign language learning disability.
- Understanding students cognitive strengths and weaknesses pertaining to language learning.
- Placement of second language learners in the most appropriate instructional setting in grades 3-6.
- Aiding in making decisions about the most appropriate language teaching methodologies.
Pimsleur Language Aptitude Battery (PLAB)
Appropriate for students in grades 7-14 whose first language is English or who are proficient in English.
Common Uses
- Diagnosis of foreign language learning disabilities in middle school/high school students.
- Providing guidance to middle school/high school students beginning or struggling with foreign language study.
- Advising students who do well on the test to pursue the study of a second and/or third language.
- Building a history of low performance on language aptitude measures to establish a foreign language learning disability.
- Placement of language learners in the most appropriate instructional setting in grades 7-14.
- Understanding students’ cognitive strengths and weaknesses pertaining to language learning.