The NYSAWLA FLACS Checkpoint A and B Examinations are locally developed world language assessments created and maintained by the New York State Association of World Language Administrators (NYSAWLA) for use by member districts through the NYSAWLA Exam Consortium. These secure, field-tested, standards-aligned exams are administered in over 200 districts statewide. Since NYSED discontinued producing the World Language Proficiency and Regents language exams in 2011, districts have been permitted to use locally developed, vendor-, or consortium-provided assessments to meet state credit and diploma requirements. NYSAWLA provides exams in American Sign Language, Mandarin Chinese, French, German, Italian, and Spanish.
Checkpoint A exams are administered after the successful completion of two units of study in a world language, most often following a 7th and 8th grade language sequence. Passing the Checkpoint A exam is required to grant one (1) unit of high school credit to 8th grade students. Checkpoint B exams are administered after the successful completion of three units of study in a world language and must be passed to meet the requirements for a Regents Diploma with Advanced Designation.
Member districts must adhere to the following guidelines in order to participate in our consortium:
- Exam Administration Date: For security purposes, all participating districts are required to administer the NYSAWLA FLACS Checkpoint A and B Examinations on the common date and time announced by NYSAWLA in early fall. Districts unable to follow the designated administration schedule will not be able to administer the examinations for that year.
- Item Development: Participating districts are encouraged to support exam development by allowing teachers to attend NYSAWLA item-writing workshops and by submitting items developed independently directly through our website for review and consideration.
- Exam Access: Access to the NYSAWLA FLACS Checkpoint A and B Examinations will be released to the Superintendent’s designee in early June to allow time for reproduction and secure storage consistent with NYSED guidance for Regents exams.
- Listening Section: NYSAWLA will provide AI-generated audio files for the Part 2 Listening Section for all languages except American Sign Language. Districts may use their own recordings or read the scripts live on the day of the exam.
- Item Analysis: NYSAWLA permits districts to conduct their own item analysis when scoring exams and to award credit for individual items if 50% or more of their students answered the item correctly. This adjustment applies only within the district’s own scoring process.
- Make-up Exams: The NYSAWLA FLACS Checkpoint A and B Examinations may not be used as make-up exams or administered on any date other than the stated administration date. Districts that require a make-up exam should use an alternative assessment, such as their own locally developed assessment.
FLACS Exam Consortium – Frequently Asked Questions
Have a question about joining or participating in the FLACS Exam Consortium check out FAQs below!
1. Who can participate and how do we join?
Any New York State school district may join the NYSAWLA. Participation requires that the district’s world language supervisor or administrator hold a current NYSAWLA membership. The Superintendent must designate one contact person to receive exam materials and information.
2. When is the deadline to join?
Districts must join by March 1 of the current school year to access that year’s exams.
3. Do we need multiple memberships for our district?
No. One membership per district is required to participate, but additional memberships are encouraged for administrators involved in world languages.
4. When must the exams be given?
All FLACS Checkpoint A and B exams must be administered on the common date and time announced by NYSAWLA each fall. Early or late administration is not permitted.
5. What happens if we can’t give the exam on the designated date?
You may not use FLACS exams that year. Districts in this situation should use a local alternative assessment.
6. When and how do we receive exam materials?
The Superintendent’s designee will receive secure access in early June for reproduction and storage in accordance with NYSED Regents exam protocols.
7. Can we choose which exams to use?
Yes. Districts receive all FLACS exams and may administer only those they need.
8. Can we contribute to exam development?
Yes. Districts are encouraged to participate in NYSAWLA item-writing workshops and submit items directly for review.
9. How is the Listening Section provided?
NYSAWLA supplies AI-generated audio files for all languages except ASL. Districts may use their own recordings or read scripts live.
10. Can we adjust scoring for our own district?
Yes. Districts may award credit for any item where 50% or more of their students answer correctly, based on local item analysis.