Measure Your Learning Progress with the ACTFL Guidelines
The CEFR is a common way to measure your Spanish proficiency, but there's another leading framework. In this article, we'll explore how the ACTFL can help you measure your progress.
The Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) is the de-facto framework that helps language learners and educators assess proficiency in languages such as Spanish, French, German, and many more. It's widely used throughout the world, but there's another leading framework.
In this article, we'll explore the CEFR's American counterpart — the ACTFL's proficiency guidelines — and how it compares to the European framework.
AddSpanish Team
What are the ACTFL Proficiency Guidelines?
The American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages, or ACTFL, is a leading organization for language educators in the United States, and they have developed their own proficiency guidelines that are similar to the CEFR.
Let's look at each of the five levels outlined by the ACTFL guidelines:
1. Novice (NL, NM, NH)
At the Novice level, learners have little to no knowledge of the language and can only communicate in basic situations using memorized phrases and vocabulary.
The novice level is further divided into sub-levels:
- Low (NL)
- Mid (NM)
- High (NH)
2. Intermediate (IL, IM, IH)
At the Intermediate level, learners can understand and use more complex vocabulary and grammar structures, but they still struggle with spontaneous communication.
Like the novice level, the intermediate level is divided into low, mid, and high levels — designated IL, IM, and IH respectively.
3. Advanced (AL, AM, AH)
Advanced learners have a high level of proficiency and can understand and use most language structures with accuracy.
At this point, learners can communicate fluently and effectively in most situations.
This level is subdivided into AL, AM, and AH.
4. Superior (S)
At the Superior level, learners have an exceptional level of proficiency and can understand and use all language structures with precision and nuance. They can also communicate with native-like fluency and accuracy.
5. Distinguished (D)
Distinguished learners have a mastery of the language that is rare in non-native speakers.
Most notably, they can:
- Understand and use virtually all language structures with ease
- Communicate with native-like fluency and accuracy in all situations
Key takeaways
While the CEFR and ACTFL proficiency guidelines share many similarities, there are some differences between the two frameworks. Both are useful tools for language educators and learners, and they can help you assess your proficiency in a language and set realistic goals for improvement.
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Understanding these frameworks can help you take your language skills to the next level.