ACTFL Proficiency Reference — Dakota¶
Proficiency Level Descriptions¶
Novice Low (Target: End of Chapter 2)¶
| Mode | Description |
|---|---|
| Speaking | Isolated words: Háu/Haŋ, Pidámayaye, numbers 1–10 |
| Writing | Isolated words; name and greeting |
Novice Mid (Target: Mid-Year / Chapters 3–4)¶
| Mode | Description |
|---|---|
| Speaking | Memorized phrases; basic sentences using SOV order; daily activities |
| Writing | Short sentences; can use -kte (future) and -šni (negation) |
Novice High (Target: End-of-Year / Chapters 7–8)¶
| Mode | Description |
|---|---|
| Speaking | Short spontaneous phrases; can describe seasons, land, and values |
| Writing | Short paragraphs; past and future tense; connected sentences |
Intermediate Low (Stretch Goal)¶
| Mode | Description |
|---|---|
| Speaking | Simple narration; can discuss treaty history and Dakota values in context |
| Writing | Connected paragraphs; multiple tenses; conveys meaning despite errors |
Self-Assessment Rubric¶
| Level | I can... |
|---|---|
| Novice Low | Say Háu/Haŋ, count to 10, give my name |
| Novice Mid | Describe daily activities using SOV sentences |
| Novice High | Talk about seasons, values, and the land |
| Intermediate Low | Narrate a short story or describe treaty history |
| Level | I can write... |
|---|---|
| Novice Low | Isolated Dakota words correctly spelled |
| Novice Mid | Short SOV sentences with future and negation |
| Novice High | Short paragraphs on familiar topics |
| Intermediate Low | Connected paragraphs using multiple tenses |
Exam Score Interpretation¶
| Score | ACTFL Estimate |
|---|---|
| 90–100 | Novice High / approaching Intermediate Low |
| 75–89 | Solid Novice High — met year-end target |
| 60–74 | Novice Mid–High — some gaps remain |
| Below 60 | Novice Low–Mid — significant review needed |