Abstract: This paper investigates the connection between learning and assessment by examining the implementation of ACTFL’s Integrated Performance Assessment (IPA) in intermediate, L2 Spanish classes. There were 880 students who participated in this classroom-based study. This presentation will discuss the following: 1) the theoretical and pedagogical bases of IPA; 2) the materials and tasks that were created; 3) the steps followed for its successful implementation; and 4) the results of a study on students’ and instructors’ perceptions of IPA and the relationship between classroom content and assessment. In addition, we will compare the results of IPA-based assessment tools with those from previous, more traditional evaluation tools.

Gabriela Zapata is Associate Professor and Director of Spanish and Portuguese Language Programs at the University of Southern California.