Spanish Proficiency Indicators

The proficiency indicators detailed for each language course measure what a student can do with language in real-world situations, in a spontaneous and non-rehearsed context, no matter where, when, or how the language was acquired.

We these indicators for Spanish language learners to determine the appropriate placement of a student into Maret's language program and to track the progress of a student over time along a predetermined scale. The indicators are based on the Global Can-Do Benchmarks of the National Council of State Supervisors and the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Language.

Lower School

Overview

The proficiency indicators detailed for our Lower School program describe what a student can do with language. They reflect the nature of an early education language program that takes in account the child’s physical, intellectual and emotional development. These indicators work as learning targets that establish specific, measurable, and achievable goals. We document progress on these goals and guide students as they learn how to self-assess and take ownership of the learning process.

Our integrated curriculum allows students to relate to content and practice language in a tangible and predictable context as they make connections between disciplines and practice the same set of skills in different environments.

Interpretive Communication

What Students can understand, interpret or analyze in authentic informational texts?

I can identify the general topic and some basic information in both very familiar and everyday contexts by recognizing practiced or memorized words, phrases, and simple sentences in texts that are spoken or written.

NOVICE LOW
I can identify memorized or familiar words when they are supported by gestures or visuals in informational texts.

NOVICE MID
I can identify some basic facts from memorized words and phrases when they are supported by gestures or visuals in informational texts.

What can I understand, interpret or analyze in authentic fictional texts?

NOVICE LOW
I can identify memorized or familiar words when they are supported by gestures or visuals in fictional texts.

NOVICE MID
I can identify some basic facts from memorized words and phrases when they are supported by gestures or visuals in fictional texts.

What can I understand, interpret or analyze in conversations and discussions?

NOVICE LOW
I can understand memorized or familiar words when they are supported by gestures or visuals in conversations.

NOVICE MID
I can identify some basic facts from memorized words and phrases when they are supported by gestures or visuals in conversations.

Interpersonal Communication

I can communicate in spontaneous spoken or written conversations on both very familiar and everyday topics, using a variety of practiced or memorized words, phrases, simple sentences, and questions.

How can I exchange information and ideas in conversations?

NOVICE LOW
I can provide information by answering a few simple questions on very familiar topics, using practiced or memorized words and phrases, with the help of gestures or visuals.

NOVICE MID
I can request and provide information by asking and answering a few simple questions on very familiar and everyday topics, using a mixture of practiced or memorized words, phrases, and simple sentences.

How can I meet my needs or address situations in conversations?

NOVICE LOW
I can express some basic needs, using practiced or memorized words and phrases, with the help of gestures or visuals.

NOVICE MID
I can express basic needs related to familiar and everyday activities, using a mixture of practiced or memorized words, phrases, and questions.

How can I express, react to, and support preferences and opinions in conversations?

NOVICE LOW
I can express basic preferences or feelings, using practiced or memorized words and phrases, with the help of gestures or visuals.

NOVICE MID
I can express my own preferences or feelings and react to those of others, using a mixture of practiced or memorized words, phrases, and questions.

Presentational Communication

How can I present information to narrate about my life, experiences and events?

I can present information on both very familiar and everyday topics using a variety of practiced or memorized words, phrases, and simple sentences through spoken or written language.

NOVICE LOW
I can introduce myself using practiced or memorized words and phrases, with the help of gestures or visuals.

NOVICE MID
I can present information about myself, my interests and my activities using a mixture of practiced or memorized words, phrases and simple sentences.

How can I present information to give a preference, opinion or persuasive argument?

NOVICE LOW
I can express my likes and dislikes using practiced or memorized words and phrases, with the help of gestures or visuals.

NOVICE MID
I can express my likes and dislikes on very familiar and everyday topics of interest, using a mixture of practiced or memorized words, phrases and simple sentences.

How can I present information to inform, describe, or explain?

NOVICE LOW
I can name very familiar people, places, and objects using practiced or memorized words and phrases, with the help of gestures or visuals.

NOVICE MID
I can present on very familiar and everyday topics using a mixture of practiced or memorized words, phrases and simple sentences.

Intercultural Communication

NOVICE

Investigate products and practices to understand cultural perspectives

In my own and other cultures I can identify products and practices to help me understand perspectives.
In my own and other cultures I can identify some typical products related to familiar everyday life.
In my own and other cultures I can identify some typical practices related to familiar everyday life.

Interact With Others In And From Another Culture

I can communicate with others from the target culture in familiar everyday situations, using memorized language and showing basic cultural awareness.
I can use appropriate rehearsed behaviors and recognize some obviously inappropriate behaviors in familiar everyday situations.

Linking Investigation and Interaction

In my own and other cultures I can identify familiar landmarks and monuments and what they represent to people.
In my own and other cultures I can identify some artists and musicians, their styles and contributions.
In my own and other cultures I can identify some typical products and link them to specific cultural practices.
In my own and other cultures I can identify social practices such as greetings, introductions, leave-taking and thanking people. I can greet and take leave from someone using polite rehearsed behaviors.
In my own and other cultures I can identify how people celebrate local and national holidays or festivals.

Spanish 7th Grade

Interpersonal Communication

Presentational Speaking

Presentational Writing

Interpretive Listening

Interpretive Reading

Middle School

Spanish 5th Grade

Interpersonal Communication

Presentational Speaking

Presentational Writing

Interpretive Listening

Interpretive Reading

Spanish 6th Grade

Interpersonal Communication

NOVICE MID

I can communicate on very familiar topics using a variety of words and phrases that I have practiced and memorized.

NOVICE HIGH

I can communicate and exchange information about familiar topics using phrases and simple sentences, sometimes supported by memorized language. I can usually handle short social interactions in everyday situations by asking and answering simple questions.

Presentational Speaking

Presentational Writing

Interpretive Listening

Interpretive Reading

Spanish 7th Grade

Interpersonal Communication

NOVICE HIGH

INTERMEDIATE LOW

I can participate in conversations on a number of familiar topics using simple sentences. I can handle short social interactions in everyday situations by asking and answering simple questions.

Presentational Speaking

Presentational Writing

Interpretive Listening

NOVICE HIGH

I can often understand words, phrases, and simple sentences related to everyday life. I can recognize pieces of information and sometimes understand the main topic of what is being said.

INTERMEDIATE LOW

I can understand the main idea in short, simple messages and presentations on familiar topics. I can understand the main idea of simple conversations that I overhear.

Interpretive Reading

Spanish 8th Grade

Interpersonal Communication

INTERMEDIATE MID

I can participate in conversations on familiar topics using sentences and series of sentences. I can handle short social interactions in everyday situations by asking and answering a variety of questions. I can usually say what I want to say about myself and my everyday life.

INTERMEDIATE HIGH

I can participate with ease and confidence in conversations on familiar topics. I can usually talk about events and experiences in various time frames. I can usually describe people, places, and things. I can handle social interactions in everyday situations, sometimes even when there is an unexpected complication.

ADVANCED LOW

I can participate in conversations about familiar topics that go beyond my everyday life. I can talk in an organized way and with some detail about events and experiences in various time frames. I can describe people, places, and things in an organized way and with some detail. I can handle a familiar situation with an unexpected complication.

Presentational Speaking

INTERMEDIATE MID

I can make presentations on a wide variety of familiar topics using connected sentences.

INTERMEDIATE HIGH

I can make presentations in a generally organized way on school, work, and community topics, and on topics I have researched. I can make presentations on some events and experiences in various time frames.

ADVANCED LOW

I can deliver organized presentations appropriate to my audience on a variety of topics. I can present information about events and experiences in various time frames.

Presentational Writing

INTERMEDIATE MID

I can write on a wide variety of familiar topics using connected sentences.

INTERMEDIATE HIGH

I can write on topics related to school, work, and community in a generally organized way. I can write some simple paragraphs about events and experiences in various time frames.

ADVANCED LOW

I can write on academic, professional, and general interest topics. I can write organized paragraphs about events and experiences in various time frames.

Interpretive Listening

INTERMEDIATE MID

I can understand the main idea in messages and presentations on a variety of topics related to everyday life and personal interests and studies. I can understand the main idea in conversations that I overhear.

INTERMEDIATE HIGH

I can easily understand the main idea in messages and presentations on a variety of topics related to everyday life and personal interests and studies. I can usually understand a few details of what I overhear in conversations, even when something unexpected is expressed. I can sometimes follow what I hear about events and experiences in various time frames.

ADVANCED LOW

I can understand the main idea and some supporting details in organized speech on a variety of topics of personal and general interest. I can follow stories and descriptions of some length and in various time frames. I can understand information presented in a variety of genres on familiar topics, even when something unexpected is expressed.

Interpretive Reading

INTERMEDIATE MID

I can understand the main idea of texts related to everyday life and personal interests or studies.

INTERMEDIATE HIGH

I can easily understand the main idea of texts related to everyday life, personal interests, and studies. I can sometimes follow stories and descriptions about events and experiences in various time frames.

ADVANCED LOW

I can understand the main idea and some supporting details on a variety of topics of personal and general interest. I can follow stories and descriptions of some length and in various time frames and genres.

Upper School

Spanish 1

Interpersonal Communication

NOVICE LOW

I can communicate on some very familiar topics using single words and phrases that I have practiced and memorized.

NOVICE MID

I can communicate on very familiar topics using a variety of words and phrases that I have practiced and memorized.

NOVICE HIGH

Presentational Speaking

NOVICE LOW

I can present information about myself and some other very familiar topics using single words or memorized phrases.

NOVICE MID

I can present information about myself and some other very familiar topics using a variety of words, phrases, and memorized expressions.

NOVICE HIGH

I can present basic information on familiar topics using language I have practiced, using phrases and simple sentences.

Presentational Writing

Interpretive Listening

NOVICE LOW

I can recognize a few memorized words and phrases when I hear them spoken.

NOVICE MID

I can recognize some familiar words and phrases when I hear them spoken.

NOVICE HIGH

I can often understand words, phrases, and simple sentences related to everyday life. I can recognize pieces of information and sometimes understand the main topic of what is being said.

Interpretive Reading

NOVICE LOW

I can recognize a few letters or characters. I can identify a few memorized words and phrases when I read.

NOVICE MID

I can recognize some letters or characters. I can understand some learned or memorized words and phrases when I read.

NOVICE HIGH

I can understand familiar words, phrases, and sentences within short and simple texts related to everyday life. I can sometimes understand the main idea of what I have read.

Spanish 2

Interpersonal Communication

INTERMEDIATE LOW

I can participate in conversations on a number of familiar topics using simple sentences. I can handle short social interactions in everyday situations by asking and answering simple questions.

INTERMEDIATE MID

INTERMEDIATE HIGH

Presentational Speaking

INTERMEDIATE LOW

I can present information on most familiar topics using a series of simple sentences.

INTERMEDIATE MID

I can make presentations on a wide variety of familiar topics using connected sentences.

INTERMEDIATE HIGH

Presentational Writing

INTERMEDIATE LOW

I can write briefly about most familiar topics and present information using a series of simple sentences.

INTERMEDIATE MID

I can write on a wide variety of familiar topics using connected sentences.

INTERMEDIATE HIGH

I can write on topics related to school, work, and community in a generally organized way. I can write some simple paragraphs about events and experiences in various time frames.

Interpretive Listening

INTERMEDIATE LOW

I can understand the main idea in short, simple messages and presentations on familiar topics. I can understand the main idea of simple conversations that I overhear.

INTERMEDIATE MID

INTERMEDIATE HIGH

Interpretive Reading

INTERMEDIATE LOW

I can understand the main idea of short and simple texts when the topic is familiar.

INTERMEDIATE MID

I can understand the main idea of texts related to everyday life and personal interests or studies.

INTERMEDIATE HIGH

Spanish 3

Interpersonal Communication

ADVANCED LOW I can participate in conversations about familiar topics that go beyond my everyday life. I can talk in an organized way and with some detail about events and experiences in various time frames. I can describe people, places, and things in an organized way and with some detail. I can handle a familiar situation with an unexpected complication.

Presentational Speaking

Presentational Writing

Interpretive Listening

ADVANCED LOW

Interpretive Reading

Spanish 4, Spanish in Film, Topics in Afro-Hispanic Cultures

Interpersonal Communication

ADVANCED MID

I can express myself fully not only on familiar topics but also on some concrete social, academic, and professional topics. I can talk in detail and in an organized way about events and experiences in various time frames. I can confidently handle routine situations with an unexpected complication. I can share my point of view in discussions on some complex issues.

Presentational Speaking

Presentational Writing

Interpretive Listening

ADVANCED MID

I can understand the main idea and most supporting details on a variety of topics of personal and general interest, as well as some topics of professional interest. I can follow stories and descriptions of some length and in various time frames. I can understand information presented in most genres, even when not familiar with the topic.

Interpretive Reading

ADVANCED MID

I can understand the main idea and most supporting details in texts on a variety of topics of personal and general interest, as well as some professional topics. I can follow stories and descriptions of considerable length and in various time frames. I can understand texts written in a variety of genres, even when I am unfamiliar with the topic.

Hispanic Literature, Survey of Hispanic Literature

Interpersonal Communication

ADVANCED MID

ADVANCED HIGH

I can express myself freely and spontaneously, and for the most part accurately, on concrete topics and on most complex issues. I can usually support my opinion and develop hypotheses on topics of particular interest or personal expertise.

Presentational Speaking

ADVANCED MID

I can deliver well-organized presentations on concrete social, academic, and professional topics. I can present detailed information about events and experiences in various time frames.

ADVANCED HIGH

I can deliver detailed presentations, usually with accuracy, clarity, and precision, on a variety of topics and issues related to community interests and some special fields of expertise.

Presentational Writing

ADVANCED MID

I can write on a wide variety of academic, professional, and general interest topics. I can write well-organized, detailed paragraphs in various time frames.

ADVANCED HIGH

I can write extensively with significant precision and detail on a variety of topics, most complex issues, and some special fields of expertise.

Interpretive Listening

ADVANCED MID

ADVANCED HIGH

I can easily follow narrative, informational, and descriptive speech. I can understand discussions on most topics that deal with special interests, unfamiliar situations, and abstract concepts. I can sometimes follow extended arguments and different points of view.

Interpretive Reading

ADVANCED MID

ADVANCED HIGH

I can easily follow narrative, informational, and descriptive texts. I can understand what I read on most topics that deal with special interests, unfamiliar situations, and abstract concepts. I can sometimes understand extended arguments and different points of view.

Hispanic Cultures

Interpersonal Communication

Presentational Speaking

Presentational Writing

Interpretive Listening

Interpretive Reading

Comparative Literature

Interpersonal Communication

ADVANCED HIGH

SUPERIOR

I can communicate with ease, accuracy, and fluency. I can participate fully and effectively in discussions on a variety of topics in formal and informal settings. I can discuss at length complex issues by structuring arguments and developing hypotheses.

Presentational Speaking

ADVANCED HIGH

I can deliver detailed presentations, usually with accuracy, clarity, and precision, on a variety of topics and issues related to community interests and some special fields of expertise.

SUPERIOR

I can deliver detailed presentations with accuracy, clarity, and precision to a wide variety of audiences on topics and issues ranging from broad general interests to areas of specialized expertise.

Presentational Writing

ADVANCED HIGH

I can write extensively with significant precision and detail on a variety of topics, most complex issues, and some special fields of expertise.

SUPERIOR

I can write about complex and abstract issues ranging from topics of broad general interests to areas of specialized expertise using standard structure, lexicon, and writing protocols.

Interpretive Listening

ADVANCED HIGH

SUPERIOR

I can follow a wide range of academic and professional discourse on abstract and specialized topics. I can understand all standard dialects. I can sometimes infer complex meaning that requires deep understanding of the culture.

Interpretive Reading

ADVANCED HIGH

SUPERIOR

I can follow academic, professional, and literary texts on a wide range of both familiar and unfamiliar subjects. I can sometimes infer complex meaning that requires analysis and deep understanding of the culture.

Spanish 8th Grade

Interpersonal Communication

NOVICE MID

I can communicate on very familiar topics using a variety of words and phrases that I have practiced and memorized.