TALA TEST OF ARABIC
LANGUAGE ARTS
What is TALA
The Test of Arabic Language Arts (TALA), developed by Diglossia, stands as the pioneering online, standards-based assessment for Arabic reading, writing and vocabulary. Introduced in 2016, the TALA assessment adheres to the international standards established by Dr. Hanada Taha, Endowed Chair Professor of Arabic Language at Zayed University. Its swift adoption by leading schools and institutions across the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and other countries in the MENA region, highlights its credibility and effectiveness. The ever-expanding network of educational institutes employing the TALA assessment actively contributes to its continual evolution, refinement, and enhancement. This collective effort not only enriches Diglossia’s repository with substantial and robust data, but also guides the platform’s future development.
Since its introduction, the TALA assessment has undergone a series of enhancements, both incremental and large-scale, to boost its effectiveness and user-friendliness. A significant milestone was reached in 2021 with the introduction of TALA 2, which showcased a comprehensive overhaul. This latest iteration introduced a revamped framework, incorporates new item types, and expands reporting capabilities. Marking a significant advancement in the evolution of the TALA assessment system.
TALA serves as a standardised measure of Arabic reading and writing proficiency, tailored specifically for native Arabic-speaking students. Through its comprehensive scoring system, TALA provides evidence essential for making well-informed decisions regarding student advancement, program efficacy, curriculum alignment, and professional development strategies. Administered bi-annually, TALA assumes a pivotal role as a benchmark assessment, meticulously evaluating both individual student progress and the overall effectiveness of Arabic language arts programs.
The TALA assessment is available for students from grades 3 to 11. The Reading test is conducted online, accessible through a computer or tablet via any standard web browser, thus ensuring immediate access to results by educators upon completion. In contrast, the Writing test is administered through traditional paper and pencil methods and evaluated by proficient and certified native Arabic speakers. Detailed reports encompass sub-scores for each evaluated standard, providing a comprehensive overview of both Reading and Writing assessments.
