The Southeast Asian Language Council (SEALC) invites applications from Southeast Asian language instructors for a training series on speaking and writing proficiency assessment design and development. This program includes an in-person workshop for the U.S.-based instructors, graciously hosted by the Asia Center at Harvard University, and a virtual workshop for Asia–based instructors.
These workshops will offer hands-on training in designing and developing oral and written proficiency assessments aligned with ACTFL proficiency levels and provide opportunities to collaborate with colleagues across the United States and Southeast Asia. A modest honorarium will be provided upon completion of all required deliverables, subject to visa eligibility.
Learning Goals:
• Learn principles behind effective design for oral and written proficiency assessment
• Design and develop role-play tasks for the ACTFL Intermediate and Advanced levels
• Understand and apply the GRASPS model as a task-based assessment framework
• Use grid-based task design to reliably and consistently assess speaking
• Learn the rationale behind scoring rubrics for assessing writing
Participant Support:
US-based participants: Domestic airfare, shared lodging, meals, and workshop fees are covered for US-based participants. SEALC expects the home institution to cover per diem, and ground transportation.
Asia-based participants: The Southeast Asia workshop is delivered fully online. Workshop fees are covered.
Schedule of Activities: Workshops A and B are identical in content; participants will only attend one.
1.A In-person Workshop A: Speaking and Writing Proficiency Assessment Development
For US-based instructors, April 10–11, 2026, at Harvard University.
1.B Virtual Workshop B: Speaking and Writing Proficiency Assessment Development
For Asia-based instructors:
• March 6, 7, 13, 14, 2026 (evening US Central Time)
• March 7, 8, 14, 15, 2026 (morning Asia Time)
2. Collaborative Working Groups: Collaborative small group work developing speaking and writing assessment tests, for all participants, April – May 2026.
3. Symposium / Final Showcase: virtual sessions for all participants to showcase their deliverables and receive feedback, on May 29, 30 evening Central Time or May 30, 31 morning SEA Time.
Eligibility and Application Process:
Applicants must be current instructors of a Southeast Asian language or have a strong background with ongoing involvement in Southeast Asian language education. They should have completed the ACTFL OPI Familiarization training by the start of the workshop. US-based applicants should be active members of the Council of Teachers of Southeast Asian Languages (COTSEAL).
How to Apply
Deadline: January 16, 2026
Applications will be evaluated based on the submitted documents, and space is limited. Incomplete or unclear applications may not be considered.
The Southeast Asian Language Council (SEALC) invites applications from Southeast Asian language instructors for a training series on speaking and writing proficiency assessment design and development. This program includes an in-person workshop for the U.S.-based instructors, graciously hosted by the Asia Center at Harvard University, and a virtual workshop for Asia–based instructors.
These workshops will offer hands-on training in designing and developing oral and written proficiency assessments aligned with ACTFL proficiency levels and provide opportunities to collaborate with colleagues across the United States and Southeast Asia. A modest honorarium will be provided upon completion of all required deliverables, subject to visa eligibility.
Learning Goals:
• Learn principles behind effective design for oral and written proficiency assessment
• Design and develop role-play tasks for the ACTFL Intermediate and Advanced levels
• Understand and apply the GRASPS model as a task-based assessment framework
• Use grid-based task design to reliably and consistently assess speaking
• Learn the rationale behind scoring rubrics for assessing writing
Participant Support:
US-based participants: Domestic airfare, shared lodging, meals, and workshop fees are covered for US-based participants. SEALC expects the home institution to cover per diem, and ground transportation.
Asia-based participants: The Southeast Asia workshop is delivered fully online. Workshop fees are covered.
Schedule of Activities: Workshops A and B are identical in content; participants will only attend one.
1.A In-person Workshop A: Speaking and Writing Proficiency Assessment Development
For US-based instructors, April 10–11, 2026, at Harvard University.
1.B Virtual Workshop B: Speaking and Writing Proficiency Assessment Development
For Asia-based instructors:
• March 6, 7, 13, 14, 2026 (evening US Central Time)
• March 7, 8, 14, 15, 2026 (morning Asia Time)
2. Collaborative Working Groups: Collaborative small group work developing speaking and writing assessment tests, for all participants, April – May 2026.
3. Symposium / Final Showcase: virtual sessions for all participants to showcase their deliverables and receive feedback, on May 29, 30 evening Central Time or May 30, 31 morning SEA Time.
Eligibility and Application Process:
Applicants must be current instructors of a Southeast Asian language or have a strong background with ongoing involvement in Southeast Asian language education. They should have completed the ACTFL OPI Familiarization training by the start of the workshop. US-based applicants should be active members of the Council of Teachers of Southeast Asian Languages (COTSEAL).
How to Apply
Deadline: January 16, 2026
Applications will be evaluated based on the submitted documents, and space is limited. Incomplete or unclear applications may not be considered.
Please fill out this application form