Proficiency Targets
TLC offers beginner, intermediate, and advanced group world language classes.
- Beginner consists of two levels (Beginner and Explorer). Each level has six sub-levels.
- Intermediate consists of three levels (Independent-Low, Independent-Mid, and Independent-High). Each level has 4 sub-levels.
- Advanced consists of three levels (Proficient-Low, Proficient-Mid, and Proficient-High). Each level has 4 sub-levels.
Our group classes are aligned to levels of proficiency targets based on the guidelines recommended by the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL) and the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). For languages such as French, Italian, Portuguese, and Spanish, which are closely related to English, and German, which is similar to English, the recommended target proficiency goals are as follows:
Beginner
BEGINNER: Upon completing each level, learners will progress from no ability in the language to being able to understand and use familiar everyday expressions and very basic phrases to satisfy concrete needs. Learners will be able to introduce themselves and others and ask and answer questions about personal details such as where they live, people they know, and things they have. They will also be able to interact in a simple way provided the other person talks slowly and clearly and is prepared to help.
CEFR – A1
ACTFL – Novice High
Approximately 108 contact hours
EXPLORER: Upon completing each level, learners gain more ability to understand sentences and frequently used expressions related to areas of more immediate relevance (e.g., basic personal and family information, shopping, local geography, and employment). Learners will be able to communicate in simple and routine tasks requiring a simple and direct exchange of information on familiar and routine topics. They will also be able to describe, in simple terms, aspects of their background, immediate environment, and needs.
CEFR – A2
ACTFL – Intermediate Low
Approximately 108 contact hours
Intermediate
INDEPENDENT: Upon completing each level, learners gain more ability to understand the main points of clear standard input on familiar matters regularly encountered in work, school, and leisure. Learners will be able to deal with most situations likely to arise while traveling in an area where the language is spoken. Learners will be able to produce simple connected text on topics which are familiar or of personal interest. They will also be able to describe experiences and events, dreams, hopes, and ambitions, and briefly give reasons and explanations for opinions and plans.
CEFR – B1
ACTFL – Intermediate High
Approximately 216 contact hours
Advanced
ADVANCED: Upon completing each level, learners gain more ability to understand the main ideas of complex text on both concrete and abstract topics, including technical discussions in his/her field of specialization. Learners will be able to interact with a degree of fluency and spontaneity that makes regular interaction with native speakers quite possible without strain for either party. They will also be able to produce clear, detailed text on a wide range of subjects and explain a viewpoint on a topical issue giving the advantages and disadvantages of various options.
CEFR – B2
ACTFL – Advanced Low to Advanced Mid
Approximately 216 contact hours
Proficiency targets will vary slightly for languages that differ to a larger extent from English such as Arabic, Chinese (Mandarin), Hindi, Korean, Japanese, and Russian.
*We recommend that you review the information on “How Long Does It Take to Become Proficient?” and email worldlanguages@tennessee.edu if you have any questions and/or need assistance.