What are the Performance Descriptors?
The ACTFL Performance Descriptors for Language Learners are designed to describe language performance that is the result of explicit instruction in an instructional setting. These new Performance Descriptors reflect how language learners perform whether learning in classrooms, online, through independent project-based learning, or in blended environments.
Who are they for?
- Educators - The Performance Descriptors help language educators create performance tasks targeted to the appropriate performance range while challenging learners to also use strategies from the next higher range. These Performance Descriptors also help educators set realistic expectations at the summative assessment level.
- Learners - Language learners benefit by understanding the ranges of performance, which describe a pathway to keep track of progress made, identify areas needing additional practice, and gain a clear understanding of how to move into the next higher range of performance.
What do they do?
Describe the language performance of language learners in Standards-based, performance-oriented learning environments
Provide descriptive performance outcomes adaptable to fit differences in languages and learners
How are they organized?
Three Ranges of Performance – Novice, Intermediate, Advanced
Three Modes of Communication – Interpersonal, Interpretive, Presentational
- Domains of Performance
- Parameters for the Language Learner’s Performance
Functions (global tasks the learner can perform in the language)
Contexts (situations within which the learner can function) and Content (topics that the learner can understand and discuss)
Text Type (that which the learner is able to understand and produce in order to perform the functions of the level)
- How and how well the language learner is able to be understood and to understand
Language Control (How accurate is the language learner’s language?)
Vocabulary (How extensive and applicable is the language learner’s vocabulary?)
- Parameters for the Language Learner’s Performance
