ACTFL Proficiency Reference
The ACTFL World-Readiness Standards describe what language learners can do with a language at various levels of proficiency. This course targets the Novice range, with advanced students approaching Intermediate Low by year's end.
Proficiency Level Descriptions
Novice Low (Target: End of Chapter 2)
| Mode |
Description |
| Speaking |
Produce isolated words and memorized phrases; little or no fluency |
| Listening |
Recognize isolated words; need lots of repetition and slow speech |
| Reading |
Recognize a few words and memorized phrases |
| Writing |
Produce isolated words and memorized phrases only |
In Ojibwe terms: Can say Aaniin, Miigwech, Baanimaa; count to 10; give name and clan.
Novice Mid (Target: Mid-Year Exam / Chapters 3–4)
| Mode |
Description |
| Speaking |
Communicate using lists of words and some memorized phrases; some spontaneous combining |
| Listening |
Understand short memorized phrases and lists; need repetition |
| Reading |
Understand short memorized phrases in high-frequency contexts |
| Writing |
Produce lists of words and some memorized phrases with some spelling errors |
In Ojibwe terms: Can describe daily activities, express health states, use VAI verbs in present tense, form negative sentences.
Novice High (Target: End-of-Year Exam / Chapter 7–8)
| Mode |
Description |
| Speaking |
Communicate using short phrases; some spontaneous language; frequent pauses; pronunciation may be difficult for native speakers |
| Listening |
Understand short, simple sentences in high-frequency contexts; still need support |
| Reading |
Understand short, simple texts when vocabulary is familiar |
| Writing |
Produce short paragraphs; may have many errors but meaning is clear |
In Ojibwe terms: Can tell a simple story, write a land acknowledgment, discuss the Seven Teachings, describe seasons and natural environment.
| Mode |
Description |
| Speaking |
Create with the language; produce simple sentences; express self in present, some past and future |
| Listening |
Understand short, simple sentences; beginning to handle connected speech |
| Reading |
Understand short, simple texts with familiar vocabulary and context |
| Writing |
Produce simple sentences; basic connected discourse; some errors |
In Ojibwe terms: Can narrate simple events, describe land and community relationships, use past and future tense, conduct short conversations on familiar topics.
Self-Assessment Rubric
Use this rubric to assess your own proficiency after each exam:
Connection to Can-Do Statements
ACTFL "Can-Do" statements for this course:
- Ch 1–2: I can greet someone, give my name and clan, count to 100, identify animate and inanimate nouns.
- Ch 3–4: I can describe daily activities, express health, use VAI verbs in present tense, form negative sentences, identify family members.
- Ch 5–6: I can use virtue vocabulary, name the Seven Teachings, describe seasons and weather, name 8+ moons.
- Ch 7–8: I can use narrative vocabulary, write a simple land acknowledgment, discuss treaty rights, express future tense.