Baseline Student Assessments

The baseline assessments listed here assess language proficiency in terms of a speaker’s ability to use the language effectively and appropriately in a spontaneous and non-rehearsed context, regardless of when, where, why, or how a speaker has acquired their language. These assessments are not performance tests that assess acquisition of specific aspects of course and curriculum content, nor are they tied to any specific method of instruction.

We highly recommend schools assess each student to establish an accurate baseline picture, allowing for informed decision making regarding the Hebrew program and professional learning focus. Baseline and annual assessment of all students is recommended, though schools may choose to assess specific grades.

AVANT Proficiency Assessment (for Grades 3 -12)

Avant STAMP stands for Standards-Based Measure of Proficiency and is a web-based test that assesses language proficiency. The test has four sections – reading comprehension, writing, listening and speaking, and the results of this test inform test takers and educators about learning progress and program effectiveness. For students, this creates opportunities for the Global Seal of Biliteracy, recognition of students, teachers, and schools at Heseg, and AP credit for Hebrew by exam.

ELLOPA Proficiency (for JK-Grade 2)

ELLOPA stands for Early Language Listening and Oral Proficiency Assessment and is a Hebrew at the Center developed ELLOPA-based interview tool.

MaDYK

MaDYK is a universal screening assessment of Hebrew reading fluency skills, which give teachers the ability to simply and easily assess and monitor a child’s Hebrew fluency reading level.

We can provide data analysis and preparation of presentation materials for parents and lay leadership.

State of the Field Report

The State of the Field report brings together significant work of partners and stakeholders to better understand, recognize and leverage advancements in Hebrew education throughout our field. The detailed report, published annually, features aggregated and curated knowledge acquired from our field over the past 12 months.

Download the January 2024 State of the Field Report

The January 2024 report is filled with charts, graphs, statistics, and analysis, including:

  • A look back to the first State of the Field report published in 2009 and revised in 2013, with a fascinating look at what strides have been made.
  • Analysis of the Hebrew educators’ survey of career backgrounds and trajectories conducted in spring, 2023.
  • “Why Hebrew? Perceptions of Hebrew in Toronto Jewish day schools.”
  • An overview of reading resources appropriate for use in Jewish day schools.

We hope you find this report adds to your understanding of the current Hebrew language teaching and learning landscape.

Previous Reports

Leading in Hebrew: Transforming Hebrew Language Education

Explore the journey and outcomes of Leading in Hebrew (LIH), an innovative initiative by Hebrew at the Center aimed at elevating Hebrew language education in Jewish day schools. Over four and a half years, LIH supported two schools—Milton Gottesman Jewish Day School and Chicago Jewish Day School—as they enhanced their Hebrew curricula, improved student proficiency, and integrated Hebrew more deeply into school culture.

Discover the successes, challenges, and key insights gained from this transformative project, and see how LIH is shaping the future of Hebrew education.