CBSE Assessment of Speaking and Listening Skills (ASL)

As a part of teaching a language, it is necessary that all the skills of a language i.e. reading, writing, listening and speaking are given due weightage in all the four skills, both formatively and summatively.
Therefore, the CBSE had introduced the Assessment of Speaking and Listening skills (ASL) in secondary classes in 2012-13 as a pilot, and in 2013-14 in all the schools affiliated to it. Since, then it is mandatory for schools to conduct ASL for SA-I and SA-II. The data of ASL, namely marks/grades and recording of SA-I and SA-II will be collected by the CBSE through its Regional Offices for analysis, monitoring and maintenance of the quality of assessment and assessment processes. In addition, this analysis is expected to create a wash back effect in the classroom teaching. The CBSE expects that the ASL is also reliable, fair and valid and the data thus obtained reflects these. A matrix of performance descriptors has been given in this document which will assist in ensuring a valid assessment.
Teachers are, therefore, advised to go through the Performance Descriptors of speaking assessment thoroughly before they begin the task of assessment.

Weightage of 20% in Formative and Summative Assessments is assigned for the Assessment of Speaking and Listening Skills. The Assessment of Speaking and Listening Skills is done at the term-end examination in Summative Assessment-I and II. Schools are asked to conduct ASL as per the guidelines provided by the CBSE. However, assessment of these skills may also be done under the formative activities spread over two terms.

Assessment of Speaking and Listening skills (ASL) will be done in Lanugages, formally at the term end examination in Summative-II. Schools can conduct ASL for Summative-I themselves as per the guideliens provided by the CBSE. However assessment of these skills may also be done under the Formative activities spread over two terms.