About ESL Benchmarks

Introduction
The Benchmark Levels
Language Strands
Communicative Competence
Strand Specific Competencies
Communicative Competence by Language Strand
- Listening
- Speaking
- Reading
- Writing
Assessment Tips
Sample Processes for Assessing Language Proficiency
Ongoing Assessment and Reporting
Tracking Strategies

Language Strands

Within each division, the Benchmarks are organized as four language strands: Listening, Speaking, Reading and Writing. Based on age-appropriate language development expectations, the Kindergarten benchmarks include only the Listening and Speaking strands.

These strands can be viewed as receptive (receiving information and ideas) and productive (producing information and ideas) or oral (transmitted aloud) and written (transmitted in print).

Strands