1. English Language Learners
Proficiency Levels of
English Language Learners

2. Proficiency Levels of ELLs
Point
Draw
Match
Select
Circle
State
Choose
Act Out
Label
Name
List
Beginner
Students Can:
“I have little
or no English
proficiency.”
Beginner students are those with little or no English proficiency. The English sound system is new to them, and they comprehend little of what is said in English. They may go through a "silent period" where they attempt to make no English sounds.
However, beginner students quickly connect the concepts they know in their primary language to the new English language environment, and they can participate in the classroom by doing the activities listed here. Beginners may demonstrate various levels of oral and literacy skills in their primary language.
Adapted from IDRA, Intercultural Development Research Association © 2000
Northwest Regional Education Service District

3. Proficiency Levels of ELLs
Intermediate
Recall
Retell
Define
Describe
Compare
Contrast
Summarize
Restate
Students Can:
“I have good oral skills
in English, but minimal
reading and composition
skills in English.”
Intermediate level students have good oral skills in English but have minimal reading and composition skills in English. They may be able to converse at length and to comprehend anything said to them, however reading and writing at grade-level in English is difficult. Some intermediate students may be literate at or above grade-level in their primary language. Literate students quickly transfer reading and writing skills into English and are able to perform the activities listed here.
Adapted from IDRA, Intercultural Development Research Association © 2000
Northwest Regional Education Service District

4. Proficiency Levels of ELLs
Advanced
Analyze
Create
Defend
Debate
Evaluate
Justify
Support
Explain
Students Can:
“I am fluent in oral English
and have some reading and
writing skills, but need help
to pass tests.”
Advanced students are those who are nearly proficient in English. They understand and speak English fluently but have difficulty reading and writing English.
Advanced students have difficulty taking standardized and norm-referenced tests because of the higher-order thinking skills required. Some advanced students may by fully literate in their primary language while others may have only limited literacy skills in their home language. In order for advanced students to become proficient in English, they need experiences that involve the following skills listed here.
Adapted from IDRA, Intercultural Development Research Association © 2000
Northwest Regional Education Service District

5. Second Language Acquisition Strategies and Activities
All students learn when the information is comprehensible. ELLs require second language acquisition strategies and activities that make the language and information comprehensible.
Intermediate
Early Advanced/
Advanced
Beginning/ Early Intermediate
All levels of ELLs benefit from:
Cooperative grouping activities
Visual aids
Graphic Organizers
Manipulative and hands-on activities
Concrete to abstract presentations
Vocabulary Strategies
Adapted from IDRA, Intercultural Development Research Association © 2000
Northwest Regional Education Service District