I’m a big proponent of students taking an active role in their language learning journey. This means that they need to have a solid understanding of the ACTFL Proficiency Levels or Performance Descriptors. They can then track their progress and set concrete goals.
The Proficiency Levels can be little challenging to understand, but when broken down they are quite accessible for students. I created a Path to Proficiency Wall that lays out the text type (language input and output) at each each level and sub-level from Novice Low to Intermediate High.
Students can easily understand the level and use the Proficiency Wall as a reference along their language learning journey. The text types for each level are displayed along with the specific language functions associated with each individual proficiency level. It has also been helpful in conversations with colleagues and it helps families to grasp the concept of proficiency and acquisition-focused language instruction.
I put this picture on social media to inspire teachers. I received many requests for the documents so that teachers could create something similar to use with their students. I put all of the documents together in one PDF that you can download, print and post in your classroom.
