High Intermediate ESL
Test benchmark:
CASAS (all): 211-220
SPL (Speaking) 5
SPL (Reading and Writing) 6
Oral BEST: 51-57
BEST Plus: 473-506
Literacy BEST: 54-65
|
Individual can understand learned phrases and
short new phrases containing familiar
vocabulary spoken slowly and with some
repetition; can communicate basic survival
needs with some help; can participate in
conversation in limited social situations and
use new phrases with hesitation; relies on
description and concrete terms. There is
inconsistent control of more complex grammar. |
Individual can read text on familiar subjects
that have a simple and clear underlying
structure (e.g., clear main idea, chronological
order); can use context to determine meaning;
can interpret actions required in specific written
directions, can write simple paragraphs with
main idea and supporting detail on familiar
topics (e.g., daily activities, personal issues) by
recombining learned vocabulary and
structures; can self and peer edit for spelling
and punctuation errors. |
Individual can meet basic survival and social
needs, can follow some simple oral and written
instruction and has some ability to
communicate on the telephone on familiar
subjects; can write messages and notes
related to basic needs; complete basic medical
forms and job applications; can handle jobs
that involve basic oral instructions and written
communication in tasks that can be clarified
orally. The individual can work with or learn
basic computer software, such as word
processing; can follow simple instructions for
using technology. |
Low Advanced ESL
Test benchmark:
CASAS (All): 221-235
SPL (Speaking) 6
SPL (Reading and Writing) 7
Oral BEST 58-64
BEST Plus: 507-540
Literacy BEST: 66 and above
|
Individual can converse on many everyday
subjects and some subjects with unfamiliar
vocabulary, but may need repetition, rewording
or slower speech; can speak creatively, but
with hesitation; can clarify general meaning by
rewording and has control of basic grammar;
understands descriptive and spoken narrative
and can comprehend abstract concepts in
familiar contexts. |
Individual is able to read simple descriptions
and narratives on familiar subjects or from
which new vocabulary can be determined by
context; can make some minimal inferences
about familiar texts and compare and contrast
information from such texts, but not
consistently. The individual can write simple
narrative descriptions and short essays on
familiar topics, such as customs in native
country; has consistent use of basic
punctuation, but makes grammatical errors
with complex structures. |
Individual can function independently to meet
most survival needs and can communicate on
the telephone on familiar topics; can interpret
simple charts and graphics; can handle jobs
that require simple oral and written instructions,
multi-step diagrams and limited public
interaction. The individual can use all basic
software applications, understand the impact of
technology and select the correct technology in
a new situation. |
High Advanced ESL
Test benchmark:
CASAS (All): 236-245
SPL (Speaking) 7
SPL (Reading and Writing) 8
Oral BEST 65 and above
BEST Plus: 541-598
Exit Criteria: SPL 8 (BEST Plus 599 and higher) |
Individual can understand and participate
effectively in face-to-face conversations on
everyday subjects spoken at normal speed;
can converse and understand independently in
survival, work and social situations; can
expand on basic ideas in conversation, but with
some hesitation; can clarify general meaning
and control basic grammar, although still lacks
total control over complex structures. |
Individual can read authentic materials on
everyday subjects and can handle most
reading related to life roles; can consistently
and fully interpret descriptive narratives on
familiar topics and gain meaning from
unfamiliar topics; uses increased control of
language and meaning-making strategies to
gain meaning of unfamiliar texts. The
individual can write multiparagraph essays with
a clear introduction and development of ideas;
writing contains well formed sentences,
appropriate mechanics and spelling, and few
grammatical errors. |
Individual has a general ability to use English
effectively to meet most routine social and
work situations; can interpret routine charts,
graphs and tables and complete forms; has
high ability to communicate on the telephone
and understand radio and television; can meet
work demands that require reading and writing
and can interact with the public. The individual
can use common software and learn new
applications; can define the purpose of
software and select new applications
appropriately; can instruct others in use of
software and technology. |