​PROFICIENCY
BENCHMARKS
INTERPRETIVE COMMUNICATION-
FOUNDATION
PROFICIENCY BENCHMARK
I can identify the general topic and some basic information in both very familiar and everyday contexts by recognizing practiced or memorized words, phrases, and simple sentences in texts that are spoken, written, or signed.
What can I understand, interpret or analyze
in authentic informational texts that I hear, read or view?
PERFORMANCE INDICATORS
I can identify memorized or familiar words when they are supported by gestures or visuals in informational texts.
LEVEL 1
LEVEL 2
I can identify some basic facts from memorized or familiar words and phrases when they are supported by
gestures or visuals in informational texts.
LEVEL 3
I can identify the topic and some isolated facts from simple sentences in informational texts.
What can I understand, interpret or analyze
in authentic fictional texts that I hear, read or view?
PERFORMANCE INDICATORS
LEVEL 1
I can identify memorized or familiar words when they are supported by gestures or visuals in fictional texts.
LEVEL 2
I can identify some basic facts from memorized or familiar words and phrases when they are supported by
gestures or visuals in fictional texts.
LEVEL 3
I can identify the topic and some isolated elements from simple sentences
in short fictional texts.
What can I understand, interpret or analyze in conversations and discussions
that I hear, read or view, in which I am not a participant?
PERFORMANCE INDICATORS
LEVEL 1
I can understand memorized or familiar words when they are supported by gestures or visuals in conversations.
LEVEL 2
I can identify some basic facts from memorized or familiar words and phrases when they are supported by gestures or visuals in conversations.
LEVEL 3
I can understand familiar questions and statements from simple sentences in
conversations.
What elements of literacy lead to higher levels of understanding in the Interpretive Mode?
Learners move along the proficiency continuum at different speeds in listening, reading, or viewing. Factors that impact how well learners understand texts include:
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Text complexity or length
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Familiarity with the topic and background knowledge
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Ability to use literacy strategies such as recognizing keywords, detecting the main idea, identifying supporting details, noting organizational features, guessing
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Meaning from context, identifying logical inferences, identifying the author’s perspective and cultural perspectives/norms.