Language Proficiency
What is Language Proficiency?
Language Proficiency is defined as "The independent use of language."
Proficiency is measured by how well a person is able to understand and interact in language without foreknowledge of context.
In language classes we measure proficiency in different levels
Novice: Low, Mid, High
Intermediate: Low, Mid, High
Advanced: Low, Mid, High
Superior: Most students do not achieve this language level until university level language classes.
This video has a great explanation of the ACTFL and AZ state standards and how they are used to monitor language proficiency.
Novice (Parrot)
Can communicate using memorized materials in the form of words/characters, phrases, or a simple sentence.
Parrot back information.
Intermediate (Adventurer)
Can create with language, ask and answer simple questions on familiar topics and handle a simple situation or transaction.
Takes risks and branches out with learned language.
Advanced (Reporter)
Can narrate and describe in past, present, and future time/aspect, and handle a complicated situation or transaction.
Confident in the language, professional.
What Students "Can-Do" at Each Language Proficiency Level
*These can-do statements are based on ACTFL guidelines and standards. AZ State World Language Standards are aligned to ACTFL guidelines.
**ACTFL is an individual membership organization of more than 13,000 language educators and administrators from elementary through graduate education, as well as government and industry. Since its founding in 1967, ACTFL has become synonymous with innovation, quality, and reliability in meeting the changing needs of language educators and their learners. It is where the world’s educators, businesses, and government agencies go to advance the practice of language learning.
Proficiency Targets for Higley Unified Dual Language (PK-6) & World Language (7-12) Students
How Oral Proficiency Translates to Language Levels Needed in the Workplace
