Students in the Emerging level typically can:

• Participate in simple conversations with peers using basic social conventions

• Comprehend frequently occurring words, basic phrases and questions

• Read very brief grade-appropriate text with simple sentences and familiar vocabulary, supported by pictures or graphics

• Produce learned words and phrases and use gestures to communicate basic information

• Write or use familiar words and phrases related to everyday and academic topics

Requires substantial linguistic support

Students in the Expanding level typically can:

• Express a variety of needs, ideas, and opinions; respond to questions using short sentences

• Initiate simple conversations on social and academic topics

• Read independently a variety of grade-appropriate text with simple to complex sentences supported with graphics or pictures

• Comprehend information on unfamiliar and familiar topics and basic concepts in content areas

• Produce and express ideas on a variety of topics in highly structured and scaffolded academic interactions

Requires moderate linguistic support

Students in the Bridging level typically can:

• Express a variety of needs, ideas, and opinions; respond to questions using short to complex sentences

• Participate in collaborative conversations on social and academic topics

• Read independently a variety of grade-appropriate text with simple to complex sentences

• Comprehend information on unfamiliar topics with fewer contextual clues

• Produce spontaneous interactions on a variety of topics and express ideas

Requires light linguistic support