TESOL Pre-K _ 12 English Language Proficiency Standards Framwork

TESOL Pre-K–12 English Language Proficiency Standards Framework

The Pre-K–12 English Language Proficiency Standards are available in the TESOL Bookstore.

The standards address concerns introduced by the No Child Left Behind legislation. It also presents detailed tables that show indicators of success at different levels of proficiency. The framework of the standards is available here for your convenience. For questions about using, reprinting, or quoting the Pre-K–12 English Language Proficiency Standards, see TESOL’s Rights and Permissions page.

1. Proficiency Standards Framework

2. Grade Level Clusters

3. Language Domains

4. Language Proficiency Levels

5. Background

1. Presentation of a Clear Proficiency Standards Framework



The standards publication presents five language proficiency standards. They include both social and academic uses of the language students must acquire for success in and beyond the classroom. The English language proficiency standards are as follows:

Standard 1: English language learners communicate for social, intercultural, and instructional purposes within the school setting.

Standard 2: English language learners communicate information, ideas, and concepts necessary for academic success in the area of language arts.

Standard 3: English language learners communicate information, ideas, and concepts necessary for academic success in the area of mathematics.

Standard 4: English language learners communicate information, ideas, and concepts necessary for academic success in the area of science.

Standard 5: English language learners communicate information, ideas, and concepts necessary for academic success in the area of social studies.

2. Identification of Specific Grade-Level Clusters

The grade-level clusters for the English language proficiency standards reflect current educational configurations in the United States. PreK-K

Grade levels preK-K are grouped together because the primary focus is on creating a learning environment that nurtures the development of young English language learners.