Many colleges and universities require this test to diagnose a learning disability specific to foreign languages. The College of Charleston uses it as a screening device to determine if a student should be referred to a licensed psychologist or neurologist for further testing to identify a possible learning disability.
Who should take it?
Any student who is consistently having difficulty successfully completing a foreign language should take the MLAT.
When a student's transcript shows A's, B's, and C's in most subjects and D's or F's in foreign language, this student should be referred to CDS for MLAT screening. Another pattern frequently seen is B's or C's in foreign language in high school, a C in 101, a D or F in 102, and an F in 201.
Often students will repeat 102 or 201 several times earning an F each time. Some students will try different languages, but rarely with success. Often the student has an auditory processing deficit. These students have difficulty distinguishing different sounds, blending sounds, and associating sounds and symbols. All are necessary skills for learning to speak and comprehend a foreign language.
If you suspect a student may have a language related learning disability, please refer that student to CDS for MLAT testing. The test takes about forty minutes to administer with an additional 15 minutes needed to score the results. If the student chooses to wait, results are tabulated at the time of testing. Otherwise, results will be mailed the following day.
