AP Korean + NEWL Korean:
Complementary Pathways
Different Functions. Shared Goal.
AP Korean and NEWL Korean are not competing programs or replacements for one another. They serve different functions toward the same goal: expanding advanced Korean-language learning and recognizing student achievement.
AP Korean: A Course-and-Exam Pathway
A proposed AP Korean program would provide a structured, college-level Korean course within the high school curriculum, supported by common academic expectations, teacher preparation, and an AP examination.
For schools able to offer the course, AP Korean would create a visible K–12-to-college academic pathway.
AP builds the academic pathway.
NEWL Korean: A Proficiency Assessment Pathway
NEWL Korean measures students’ functional proficiency in reading, listening, speaking, and writing. Because it is not tied to one curriculum, students may demonstrate proficiency regardless of where or how they studied Korean.
This makes NEWL especially valuable for students whose schools do not offer an AP Korean course.
NEWL validates proficiency.
Why We Need Both
The choice is not AP or NEWL.
It is AP and NEWL.
AP Korean strengthens sustained instruction within the school curriculum. NEWL provides broader access to proficiency assessment, including for students without access to an AP Korean course.
Together, they expand both learning opportunities and recognition of achievement.
A Win-Win Model
AP Korean
• Builds a sustained K–12-to-college academic pathway
• Provides a college-level high school course and examination
• Strengthens curriculum, teacher development, and advanced instruction
• Gives schools a nationally visible framework for advanced Korean study
NEWL Korean
• Measures demonstrated Korean proficiency
• Assesses reading, listening, speaking, and writing
• Is independent of a particular curriculum
• Provides access to assessment for students from varied learning backgrounds
Five Ways the Two Pathways Work Together
1. Build the Academic Pathway
AP Korean would establish a structured course-and-exam pathway connecting K–12 Korean education with college-level study.
2. Recognize Existing Proficiency
NEWL allows students to demonstrate the Korean-language skills they already possess, regardless of where or how they learned Korean.
3. Strengthen Curriculum and Teacher Preparation
Expanding NEWL participation can provide useful information about student proficiency while schools, educators, and communities prepare for a future AP Korean program.
4. Preserve Access Where AP Korean Is Unavailable
Even after an AP Korean course is established, not every school will be able to offer it. NEWL can continue to provide an assessment pathway for those students.
5. Expand College Opportunities Through Both Pathways
AP and NEWL can both help students carry Korean-language achievement into higher education. AP scores may lead to college credit or advanced placement, while NEWL scores may support placement, credit, or other academic considerations, depending on each institution’s policy.
One Goal, Two Complementary Pathways
NEWL demonstrates what students can do with Korean.
AP Korean builds the academic pathway that enables more students to reach that level.
Together, AP Korean and NEWL can strengthen Korean-language education and expand opportunities for students across the United States.
한국어 요약
AP와 NEWL은 경쟁 관계가 아니라 서로 보완하는 두 개의 교육 경로입니다.
AP Korean은 고등학교 교육과정 안에서 대학 수준의 한국어를 체계적으로 배우는 Course + Exam Pathway를 만드는 역할을 합니다.
반면 NEWL Korean은 특정 교육과정과 관계없이 학생이 실제로 갖추고 있는 읽기·듣기·말하기·쓰기 능력을 증명하는 Proficiency Assessment Pathway입니다.
AP Korean을 준비하는 동안 NEWL을 더욱 널리 보급하면 학생들의 실제 한국어 능력을 평가하고 교육의 준비도를 높일 수 있습니다. 향후 AP Korean이 개설된 이후에도 AP 과목을 제공하지 못하는 학교의 학생들은 NEWL을 통해 자신의 한국어 능력을 증명할 수 있습니다. 대학별 정책에 따라 placement, credit 또는 그 밖의 학업상 혜택을 받을 수도 있습니다.
AP는 교육의 길을 만들고, NEWL은 학생의 실력을 증명합니다.
두 제도가 함께 발전할 때 가장 많은 학생에게 기회가 열립니다.