Stop me if this sounds familiar: You’re preparing your students for an Integrated Performance Assessment (IPA), and you’re wondering, “Am I doing this right?” You’re not alone. Many language teachers wrestle with how to balance preparing their students, managing meaningful assessments, and keeping their own workload under control. It’s a lot, and let’s be honest—it can feel overwhelming.

That’s exactly why we created the “Sip and Share: IPA Implementation-Teacher Tips and Tricks” session. The idea behind a Sip and Share session is that teachers need and want to talk with other teachers to share ideas and tackle challenges! Our Sip and Shares are casual, fun sessions where facilitators share some of their tips, but more importantly, participants go into breakout rooms, meet other language teachers and discuss the session topics on a practical level. If you couldn’t make it to our Sip and Share on IPAs, don’t worry—we’ve got your back.

Here’s a quick overview of the top tips that were shared, along with practical ideas to make IPAs easier for you and more effective for your students.

Show Students What Success Looks Like
One of the simplest ways to set your students up for success is to demonstrate what a great performance looks like. Before the IPA, take some time to model the skills you’re assessing. Whether it’s a role-play, a listening exercise, or a writing task, show them how it’s done and break it into steps they can follow.

And then? Let them practice. Think of it like prepping for a big presentation. The more times they rehearse, the more confident they will feel—and that confidence shows during the assessment.

Here’s the real key: Practice isn’t about memorizing perfect answers; it’s about giving students a chance to work through the language they’re learning. Through these meaningful output activities, they acquire the vocabulary, structures, and communication skills they need to succeed in new contexts. The more they use the language, the better they get at processing it—and the more prepared they will feel when the IPA rolls around.

Make Your Classroom a Safe Place to Make Mistakes
Learning a language is messy, and that’s okay. But for students, the fear of making mistakes can be a huge barrier. That’s why creating a supportive, safe environment is so important.

Here’s a tip: Share your own “oops” moments as a language learner. Maybe you mispronounced something hilariously wrong or completely misunderstood a phrase once. Letting your students see that you’ve been there too can make a world of difference. It reminds them that mistakes are not failures—they’re part of the learning process.

Celebrate effort, not just results. When a student tries a tricky new structure or takes a risk in a conversation, acknowledge it. Building that trust and rapport makes students more willing to take chances and grow, which is exactly what you want to see during an IPA.

Give Socratic Seminars a Shot
If you’re looking for a strategy to weave interpretive and interpersonal communication skills together, Socratic seminars are worth trying. These are structured discussions where students dive into a text, video, or audio in the target language and come prepared with questions or insights.

During the seminar, students discuss their interpretations, respond to each other, and build on ideas—all in the target language. It’s a fantastic way for them to practice spontaneous conversation in a supportive, low-stakes environment.

If this is new territory for your class, start small. Assign roles like “discussion leader” or “note taker” to keep the activity organized. As students get more comfortable, let the conversation flow more freely. Over time, you will notice how much more confident and prepared they are to handle similar tasks during an IPA.

Make Rubrics Your Best Friend
Rubrics are one of the easiest ways to simplify grading and give your students clarity about what’s expected of them. Whether you use a pre-made rubric like or create your own, a good rubric outlines exactly what success looks like.

Sharing the rubric with students before the IPA is a game-changer. They know where to focus their energy and can even self-assess as they practice. It takes the mystery out of “What’s my teacher looking for?” and lets them put their energy into performing their best.

For you, rubrics streamline grading and make feedback more consistent. You can spend less time agonizing over scores and more time highlighting strengths and areas for growth. Simple, specific criteria like “uses appropriate vocabulary to convey meaning” keep things focused and actionable for everyone.

Looking for rubrics?
Check out these resources:

• Ohio Dept of Education World Languages Department
  
• Grahn for Lang Website

Try Small-Group Presentations
Let’s face it: speaking in front of the entire class can be nerve-wracking, even for the most outgoing students. Small-group presentations are a great alternative.

Instead of one big presentation in front of everyone, break the class into smaller groups. This gives students a chance to present multiple times and refine their skills. Plus, it keeps the audience engaged. While one student presents, others can take notes, ask questions, or submit takeaways to stay accountable.

Small groups not only reduce anxiety but also boost participation. Presenters gain confidence, and listeners sharpen their comprehension and critical thinking. It’s a win-win that makes IPAs feel less intimidating and more productive.

Making IPAs work for you and your students doesn’t have to feel like climbing a mountain. By modeling success, creating a supportive environment, and using strategies like Socratic seminars, rubrics, and small-group presentations, you can make the process smoother and more rewarding for everyone.

If you’re hungry for more ideas and inspiration, keep an eye out for our next “Sip and Share” event and other webinars. These events are packed with tips and tricks from fellow teachers who get it—and they're a lot of fun, too!

Check out our Professional Learning Webinars Page for upcoming topics and dates. We would love to see you there!