Proficiency Scale and Basic Curricular Goals

IEP Levels aligned to CEFR and ACTFL scales
LevelsIEP Scale
(Assuming Successful Completion of Level)		Similar to CEFR ScaleSimilar to ACTFL Scale
100Survival EnglishA1+–A2Novice Mid–Novice High
200Survival Plus EnglishA2Intermediate Low
300Everyday EnglishA2+–B1Intermediate Mid
400Everyday Academic EnglishB1+Intermediate High
500Introduction to Academic and Professional EnglishB2Advanced Low
600Academic and Professional EnglishB2+–C1Advanced Mid
700Academic and Professional Plus EnglishC1–C1+Advanced Mid–Advanced High
Basic curricular goals for each IEP level
LevelsIEP Scale
(Assuming Successful Completion of Level)		Basic Curricular Goals
100Survival EnglishCritical survival English knowledge and skills: basic language learning strategies and classroom skills for formal language learning.
200Survival Plus EnglishSurvival plus English knowledge and skills; basic plus language learning strategies and classroom skills for formal learning.
300Everyday EnglishMoving beyond survival English to everyday interaction; basic academic and professional language strategies and skills development.
400Everyday Academic EnglishEveryday English knowledge and skills plus basic academic/professional language strategies and skills development.
500Introduction to Academic and Professional EnglishIntroduction to academic/professional English using ESL simulations of authentic materials.
600Academic and Professional EnglishAcademic/professional language, skills, and cultural expectations using some ESL simulations and mostly authentic materials; similar to advanced high-school training.
700Academic and Professional Plus EnglishAcademic/professional plus language, skills, and cultural expectations using authentic materials; similar to first-year college or technical/community college training.
—ElectivesLearners use English in varied ways while exploring specific academic and non-academic topics.

 

Interpretation of IEP Proficiency Scale

Outcomes by skill area for Levels 100–400
LevelsGrammarWritingReadingSpeaking/Listening
100
Survival English
Learners can create simple sentences in the simple present, present progressive, and simple past.Learners can write simple sentences, compound sentences, and 5–7 sentence paragraphs.Learners can identify main ideas and answer questions about ~200–300 word ESL beginner passages.Learners can ask/answer simple personal questions and identify main ideas in simple listening passages.
200
Survival Plus English
Simple sentences using the simple past, simple present, present progressive, simple future, and frequent modals.Simple sentences in several patterns, compound sentences, and 5–7 sentence paragraphs.Identify main ideas, key details, and answer questions about ~200–300 word ESL high-beginner passages.Discuss self and give opinions in present, past, and future; identify main ideas and basic relationships in simple listening passages.
300
Everyday English
Create simple, compound, and complex sentences using simple present, present progressive, simple past, simple future, present perfect, past perfect, and various modals.Write varied sentence types and 5–9 sentence paragraphs showing logical organization and devices to connect ideas.Identify main ideas, key details, purpose, and answer questions about ~400–600 word low-intermediate passages.Discuss personal information and give opinions on everyday/academic topics; identify main ideas, details, and basic relationships in listening passages.
400
Everyday Academic English
Create simple, compound, and complex sentences with all verb tenses, conditionals, adverb clauses, and noun clauses.Write varied sentence types, 7–11 sentence paragraphs, and 4–5 paragraph essays with clear organization and cohesive devices.Identify main ideas, major/minor details, purpose, organizational structure, and answer questions about ~500–700 word intermediate passages.Discuss everyday and academic topics; identify ideas, details, relationships, categorize information, and make inferences from listening on everyday/academic topics.
Outcomes by skill area for Levels 500–700
LevelsGrammarWritingReadingSpeaking/Listening
500
Intro to Academic & Professional English
Create simple–compound–complex sentences in active and passive voice using varied tenses and conjunctions.Identify main ideas, details, purpose, organization, and answer questions about ~500–700 word intermediate passages.Analyze, discuss, and take notes on reading passages that are ESL simulations of U.S. academic textbooks.Participate in academic discussions and give basic academic presentations; analyze and take notes on high-intermediate ESL simulations of academic lectures/interviews.
600
Academic & Professional English
Create complex and compound-complex paragraphs in active/passive voice with varied tenses, conjunctions, and modals; self-edit.Plan and write timed/untimed summaries and integrated essays; write a research-based persuasive essay integrating ideas from multiple texts without plagiarizing.Analyze, discuss, and take notes on authentic high-school and college-level textbook readings.Participate in academic discussions and give brief, effective academic presentations; analyze and take notes on advanced ESL simulations of academic lectures/interviews.
700
Advanced Academic & Professional English
Plan and write standalone academic research paragraphs and 4–5 page analytical research papers integrating ideas from multiple academic sources without plagiarizing. Analyze, discuss, and take notes on authentic college-level textbooks, academic research articles, and literary non-fiction; research topics using university library databases.Speaking: Lead and participate in academic discussions; give informal and formal presentations for college audiences. 
Listening: Discuss, analyze, and take notes on authentic academic lectures and interviews.
ElectivesLearners can use English in a variety of ways while exploring specific academic and non-academic topics.