The SHAPE Language Testing Centre and NOT making the grade!

The SHAPELanguage Testing Centre and NOT making the grade! Michael Adubato SHAPE Language Testing Centre Headquarters Support Group SHAPE, Belgium

All military personnel who hold an ACO (Allied Command Operations) PE (Peacetime Establishment) Job Description (JD) Have a MANDATORY SLP In their JD These personnel should be tested back at the national Testing center and arrive at their ACO posting with a VALID (not older than 3 years) national certificate This certificate should reflect the same STANAG 6001 levels As required in the JD. If it doesn’t…

They get to visit ME!!!

Those with NO certificate WILL BE TESTED AT THE SLTC Those who are deficient in one or more skills On their national certificate WILL BE TESTED AT THE SLTC Those who fail to achieve the required levels WILL BE RE-TESTED in 4 months

If s/he fails the re-test… IMPACT STATEMENT TIME!!!

STANAG 6001 Language Proficiency testing at SHAPE • IMPACT STATEMENT • SUBJECT: INADEQUATE LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY IMPACT STATEMENT • The results achieved by the following staff member at a second English • Language test at the SLTC are below the level required by the job description. • NAME: RANK/NAT/SVC: • PE POST #: DIRECTORATE: • The insufficient lang profic of this staff member has the following impact: • ( ) Negligible ( ) Poses some problems ( ) Poses serious problems • I request that this staff member be replaced by his/her nation: • ( ) Yes ( ) No • Justification statement for retention of staff member who’s language skills • do not meet the mandatory SLP: • ____________________________________________________________ • ____________________________________________________________

A TALE OF 47 IMPACT STATEMENTS 25 had national certificates (but did not meet the full SLP in JD) 22 had no national certificates (so took the full test – LSRW) (26 officers & 21 NCOs make up the total)

Of the 25, 7 needed to improve just one skill (usually S or W) 16 needed to improve two skills (usually LR or LS) 2 needed to improve three skills

After the first test NOBODY achieved what they needed (overall)! 14 of 25 (56%) had the same results as on Their national certificates NOBODY improved in S&W 4 improved in R

Of the 22, 19 (86%) got what they needed in L 18 (81%) did NOT get what they needed in W 5 (22%) got what they needed in 3 of 4 skills 8 (36%) failed only 1 skill (mostly W) 8 (36%) failed 2 skills (mostly S&W)

RE-TEST EVERYBODY FAILED TO ACHIEVE THE REQUIRED LEVEL! 5 full colonels failed L with 3 of them Also failing R (full COLs require 4343 profile) 21 of 22 officers who failed W Achieved L2 but need L3 (one achieved L1! If you can call that an achievement!!)

RE-TESTS 15 of 17 NCOs who failed S Required L3 but achieved L2 One NCO (OR8) required SLP 3322 but achieved 2211! One NCO (OR5) required SLP 2222 but achieved 2111!

BACK TO THE IMPACT STATEMENTS!!

Justification statement for retention of staff member who’s language skills • do not meet the mandatory SLP: • ______________________________________________________________________ • ______________________________________________________________________

IMPACT STATEMENT COMMENTS • Or… • Is Attitude Really a Replacement for Language Proficiency?? • improvement • language stills • job • “attitude”

LTC M is accomplishing his duties in LOG in a sufficient way And his knowledge improves day by day. I need him in my Directorate. (he needs 3333 and achieved 3232) OR8’s English skills are well suited for his job duties. His improvements Between the 1st and 2nd testshow his exceptional ability to learn and grow. I have no problems with keeping him as a key player on my team. (he needs 3333 and achieved 3222) Petty Officer H is working at the SACEUR Mess and fulfilling his tasks In an outstanding way. His principal duties are to cook for the SHAPE Command Group. He is able to handle the day to day business With his language skills… (he needs 2222 and achieved 2111)

So far I have not noticed that her English proficiency has posed some Problems in carrying out her duties at MCD. Neither I nor any of my Staff have had a kind of miscommunication with her. She is a hard Working person and is making significant efforts to improve her English Proficiency. (she needs 3322 and achieved 3222) LTC D has significant logistic and SOF experience. He has Made a big contribution to the success of J4 Planning Branch, for Example EX STEADFAST series inputs, and I have every Confidence that he will continue to do so. In addition he works Diligently and continuously strives to improve his English Language skills. (he needs 3333 and achieved 3232) LTC I’s written and verbal communication skills are excellent despite What his test results may indicate. He communicates daily with ease and Proficiency via “face to face”, phone and email. He routinely briefs OF5s And above. He is clear concise and well understood by all. LTC I is a key And essential memberof the J1 staff. (he needs 3333 and achieved 3332, but a 1 in writing the first time!!)

STAND BY FOR A VERY PROFOUND STATEMENT… THE SLP levels throughout NATO are often too high based on what the individual’s job description states and what tasks the individual is required to perform in the course of his/her duties!

Any questions or comments For this part of the presentation?

TESTING AT THE SLTC

SHAPE’s Out-sourced L&R tests developed by One month extension given, so tests will be Delivered to SHAPE by 1st July 2012

SHAPE’s Out-sourced L&R French tests Developed by Centre international d’etudespedagogiques TESTS HAVE BEEN DELIVERED TO SHAPE!

Language Policy of the International Staff (IS), NATO HQ • Letter addressed to Commander, HSG • “IS has had for decades its own language policy” • “The IS language policy has been approved by the Sec Gen” • “I am sure that we will be able to overcome any potential • Perceived difficulties in the implementation of the IS • Language policy”

QUESTIONS?

The SHAPE Language Testing Centre and NOT making the grade!