LANGUAGE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP78-06372A000100060001-7
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: C
• Document Page Count: 3
• Document Creation Date: December 9, 2016
• Document Release Date: April 6, 2001
• Sequence Number: 1
• Publication Date: November 23, 1959
• Content Type: MEMO

Approved For Release,20j61/07/16 CFA} P 8-06372A000100060001-7
Acting mrector of ?raining
language and Area School
ionguage Ikvetopaeent programs
same subject, dated 21 Sep 59
23 November 1959
ng comments an the 'a request that we con-
sider several actions to accelerate language proficiency testing
indicate progress to date toward the objective. Item correspond
with the sequence in paragraph k of the VIR's menorandum.-
a, Increasing the fre aue_ of tests. written tests
have normally been sc ieduled five days every to weeks, with
additional testing days as required. Up to the present time,
voluntary examinees have not appeared in sufficient numbers
to strain the testing facilities to capacity. For this rea-
have requested a machine run of individuals who have
cage proficiency on Form 44C, La-Via, Data
We plan to aubmit to each Agency component a list
e who have not voluntarily presented themselves to be
awl. on the basis of the anticipated sharp increase
simultaneous oral examinations in the scheduled language
practicable, a time-saving device which permits an
INAviduall, to complete his testing with one visit to the LAS
r f for tests to be administered by local staffs
s taon . sponging to inquiries., we previ-
lea easibility of administering written tests
d stations that can provide essential supervision. We
also will endeavor to develop a guide for oral testing. We are
at, present developing new mesas of standardising oral tests
which viU, we hope, minimize deviations resulting from decen-
tralization of control over oral tests. These methods must
first be tested at Readquartera, which will require delaying
overseas oral, testing until about Bch 1960.
Approved For Release 2001/07/16: CIA-RDP78 6 2A000100060001-7
plan to schedule a adnimna of three testing
k. '!'Fie and further expansion will almost cer-
re extra help, as discussed in e, below. We are
Log a method by which the testing room will be
city each testing day; if less than the twenty-
table spaces have been requested two days prior to
scheduled examination we shall accept, applicants for tests
any desired l nguages.. This will permit us to continue con-
 Approved For Release 2001/07/16 9 ~ CIA-RDP78-06 72A0001000 0001-7
en tests to shorten the time retuired to
ten tests are designed to test -
..._ ,.__
Ever the entire range of proficiency from "slight" to
l.~riiY.Tr
hive" and to provide evaluations with a degree of accuracy
required for Agency purposes in the selection and utilization
of personnel in assignments requiring language facility. It
_ - -__a -'IA ---Y4#4ns either
range or accuracy, or both, of proficiency evaluation. We pro-
pose, however, to keep this desire in mind continuously as we
use and revise tests.
C
t ~ e full use of LO staff
oa
1~11ta degree permitted by used for accuracy
a to LAIC
b
.
e
and objectivity. Use of panelists from outside LAS will con-
time to be essential, particularly in languages for which
LAS bas no native speakers or for testees who have been stu-
dsnts of LAS faculty. A breakdown of oral testing since June
1958 reveals that in 1&3 oral panels, 700 saga-hours have been
spent by 32 LAS staff and contract members, and 573 hours by
126 staff members from outside LAS. It may readily be seen
that the LAS members have contributed a very great deal, but
it has also been necessary to draw upon the services of other
individuals. We have required assistance from outside the
icy in less than a dozen instances, and only in the Most
umsual languages. An additional point which my be of inter-
set is that we plan a revision of the oral grading system, de-
timing more specifically the standards for eac l of o pro-
fi' ciey, in order to facilitate grading by l whether from LAS or other components.
e. r ats: if M, for assistance in a mi-ni.sta:r r&
ce, as suggested, whenever needed during peak per-
accelerated test schedule continues paerWanently,
he testing program to the maximum degree that
pry to request full-tine help.
does not sacrifice reliability of the results required by the Agency
for the utilisation of personnel, and incidentally for the awards
prApam, should now be possible t with the recent
ification of all testing undo shmen Chief of the
Testing Section.
3. In conclusion, I believe that increase in validation by tests
the number of claimed proficiencies from the present 25 per cent
ill be aceel-
desired 75 per cent, or even a hundred per cent, 'w
b
ted
di
y
.
rec
testing ceases to be v~-luntary and becomes
tl
om
ti
y
p
ng pr
eats. I feel that we are capable of mee
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71
x
.IU
25X1A9a
 Approved For Release 2001/07J16 CIA RDP78-06372A000100060001-7
1*c"ased deeasnd for written end oral testing in the languages
primary current concern to the Agency, and of meeting by one a e
or other largely personal desires for testing in other laages.
I C/
I C/L1/'1 (v/bsc)
C/ / LAS (vJbse )
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_ d b R