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Oral Proficiency Interview Requirement for World Language Endorsements
Michigan teacher candidates for world language endorsements must achieve appropriate levels on the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Language’s (ACTFL) Oral Proficiency Interview (OPI) or Oral Proficiency Interview – Computer (OPIc). This requirement is in addition to passing the appropriate world language test from the Michigan Test for Teacher Certification.
Note: American Sign Language (ASL) is among Michigan's World Languages. While there is not a required Michigan Test for Teacher Certification (MTTC) for ASL, candidates must successfully complete an ASL program through a Michigan approved preparation provider and demonstrate proficiency in ASL via one of the assessments linked in the table below.
World Language | Endorsement Code | MTTC Also Required | Proficiency Level | Proficiency Assessment |
---|---|---|---|---|
American Sign Language | FS | No | See ASL Assessment Table | See ASL Assessment Table |
Anishinaabemowin | FN | No | Intermediate High | Local assessment administered by the preparation institution |
Arabic (Modern Standard) | FK | Yes | Intermediate High | OPI/OPIc |
Chinese (Mandarin) | FR | Yes | Intermediate High | OPI/OPIc |
French | FA | Yes | Advanced Low | OPI/OPIc |
German | FB | Yes | Advanced Low | OPI/OPIc |
Greek | FC | No | Intermediate High | OPI/OPIc |
Hebrew | FJ | No | Advanced Low | OPI/OPIc |
Italian | FH | Yes | Advanced Low | OPI/OPIc |
Japanese | FL | Yes | Intermediate High | OPI/OPIc |
Latin | FD | Yes | N/A | Local assessment administered by the preparation institution |
Spanish | FF | Yes | Advanced Low | OPI/OPIc |
World Language - Other (Foreign Service Institute Category I & II) |
FG | No | Advanced Low | OPI/OPIc, where available |
World Language - Other (Foreign Service Institute Category III & IV) |
FG | No | Intermediate High | OPI/OPIc, where available |
Registering for the OPI
Candidates should review the OPI Handbook before registering for the OPI at Language Testing International (LTI).
If a candidate has already taken the OPI and has met the minimum level required for a language, the OPI does not have to be taken again.
Submitting OPI Results
Teacher candidates who completed their educator preparation program through a Michigan educator preparation institution must obtain a PDF printout of their OPI results and submit the printout to their Michigan institution in accordance with instructions from the institution.
Teacher candidates who completed their educator preparation program at an educator preparation institution outside of Michigan must obtain a PDF printout of their OPI results and submit the printout to the Michigan Department of Education via one of the following ways:
- Mailing the printout with a copy of their application cover letter to the address at the bottom of the cover letter; or
- Email the printout to MDE-EducatorHelp@Michigan.gov.