Foreign Language Assessment Directory (FLAD)

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Name of Test	Modern Language Aptitude Test - Elementary (MLAT-E)

Languages	English

Test Description	The Modern Language Aptitude Test-Elementary (MLAT-E) is designed for Grades 3 to 6 and is an outgrowth of the earlier Modern Language Aptitude Test (MLAT), which was devised to give an indication of probable degree of success in learning a foreign language, and standardized for Grades 9 to 12 and adults. The MLAT-E was originally published in 1967. The Manual contains norms for grades 3, 4, 5, and 6. The MLAT-E requires a little more than one hour to administer. It is necessary to use a tape or CD player to present the instructions for the entire test and the test stimuli for Part 4. An expendable test booklet is needed for each examinee. Responses are recorded in the booklet, which must be hand scored. The test can be administered to individuals or to groups.

Grade Level(s)	3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8

Proficiency Level(s)

Intended Test Use	Aptitude, Diagnostic

Skills Tested	Listening, Grammar, Vocabulary, Attitude

Test Author/Publisher	Published originally by The Psychological Corporation, Republished by Language Learning and Testing Foundation, Inc. http://www.lltf.net

Publication Date	1967, 2002; 2010 (revised version)

Test Cost

Test Length	60-70 minutes (full form); may be administered in two 30 minute parts on successive days

Test Materials	Test administrator's manual, audio CD, scoring stencil (for test administrator), consumable test booklet, consumable score report

Test Format	Selected response--multiple choice https://lltf.net/aptitude-tests/language-aptitude-tests/mlat-elementary/mlat-e-sample-items/

Scoring Method	Number Correct

Scoring Process	Local, hand scored using a stencil (overlay)

Results Reported	Raw score; percentile ranks

Administered By	Trained testers, classroom teachers, school administrators

Administered When	Prior to foreign language study; at discrection of guidance counselor, school psychologist, or other administrator

Administered How	Individually, group

Administered Where

Contact Information	+ Show Contact Information

Test Development and Technical Information	The Modern Language Aptitude Test was published in 1958, following a five-year research study conducted at Harvard University (Carroll and Sapon, 1959; Carroll, 1955, 1965). The MLAT is based on research on the components of foreign language learning aptitude by Dr. John Carroll. These components are phonetic coding ability, grammatical sensitivity, rote learning ability, and inductive language learning ability. Three of the parts of the MLAT-E are adaptations for younger children of tests in the MLAT; one part is new and uses a different item type from those found on the MLAT.

Comments	The most common uses of the MLAT-E are: To predict success in a foreign language study program. At the elementary school level, it is sometimes the practice to permit students who show promise of rapid learning to begin studying a foreign language. The MLAT-E can be used to determine which students have the best chance of successful foreign language training. In elementary schools where all students are permitted to pursue study of a foreign language, the MLAT-E can aid in selecting those students who may be placed in advanced classes, where the classroom environment is faster paced. To identify inability to learn a foreign language. Common users are psychologists who are working with students who have failed in efforts to learn a foreign language. Educational researchers and psychologists who are interested in language aptitude or those who need to select an instrument that that allows them to control for language aptitude in the creation of their sample.

Parallel Versions in Other Languages	US and UK versions available; see also MLAT-ES, a parallel test for students whose first language is Spanish.

Current Users	Mostly private elementary schools in the US, UK, and international schools

Type of FL Program

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