Understanding Language Proficiency

Understanding language proficiency is essential for supporting learners who are developing English alongside other languages. Language proficiency refers to a student’s ability to understand and use English for listening, speaking, reading, and writing. It includes vocabulary knowledge, sentence complexity, clarity, comprehension, and the ability to use language for academic purposes. Proficiency is not the same as intelligence or potential—it simply reflects where a learner is on their language‑learning journey.

Learners at different proficiency levels have distinct strengths and needs. For example, students at early levels may rely heavily on visuals, gestures, and modeled language, while students at intermediate levels may communicate fluently in social situations but still need support with academic vocabulary, sentence structures, and the language needed for tasks like explaining, comparing, or justifying. Advanced learners often understand classroom content well but may still require support with the nuanced, discipline‑specific language needed for essays, problem‑solving, and complex discussions.

In Alberta, educators use the K–12 Alberta English as an Additional Language (EAL) Proficiency Benchmarks (2.0) to assess and monitor a student’s growth over time. The Benchmarks help teachers identify a learner’s proficiency level in each language domain, plan appropriate instruction, and set realistic learning goals. They also ensure that students are supported with the right scaffolds, strategies, and expectations at every stage of English language development. Understanding proficiency allows teachers to create inclusive classrooms where multilingual learners can participate fully and successfully in all subject areas.