1.    The student uses listening and observation skills to gain understanding.

Component 1:1
Focuses attention.

1. Listens attentively while others are talking by:  exhibiting few distracting movements, sitting appropriately, and facing forward.
2. Pays attention to oral stories, instructions, announcements, class meetings, lessons, and assemblies.

Component 1:2
Listens and observes to gain and interpret information.

1. Develops awareness of non-verbal communication.
2. Gains understanding of visual information.
3. Examines visual text to gain understanding.
4. Listens for, identifies, and explains main idea.
5. Develops listening strategies for following instructions.

Component 1:3
Checks for understanding by asking questions and paraphrasing.

1. Asks questions to clarify content and meaning including who, what, when, and where.
2. Retells a story including major events, character, and some details.

2.    The student communicates ideas clearly and effectively.

Component 2:1
Communicates clearly to a range of audiences for different purposes.

1. Contributes positively to discussions; group stories and summaries; responds to presentations and activities; dramatizes stories and poems; shares with class or peers; and asks questions.
2. Uses narrative form of speech.
3. Relays messages between home and school.
4. Communicates with teachers, small groups, and class to retell, role play, interview, interpret directions, recite poems and rhymes, give greetings, or request help.

Component 2:2
Develops content and ideas.

1. Within given parameters, chooses content which relates to topic and interest.
2. Selects informational material from sources provided.
3. Organizes thoughts in a sequential pattern, including a beginning and ending.
4. Explores ideas in concrete terms.

Component 2:3
Uses effective delivery.

1. Speaks at such a volume and rate that most listeners can follow easily.
2. Maintains eye-contact and uses good posture.

Component 2:4
Uses effective language and style.

1. Uses standard grammar, mature speech patterns, complete sentences, and clear phrases.
2. Uses age-appropriate vocabulary.
3. Speaks sequentially using cue words (first, next, last, before, after, and finally).

Component 2:5
Effectively uses action, sound, and/or images to support presentations.

1. Uses visual art to represent an idea.
2. Becomes aware of alternatives to written language to convey a message or enhance the demonstration of an idea.
3. Dramatizes events from stories.

3.    The student uses communication strategies and skills to work effectively with others.

Component 3:1
Uses language to interact effectively and responsibly with others.

1. Shares relevant observations of classroom activities and presentations.
2. Demonstrates conversation skills, for example, taking turns and responding to others remarks.
3. Responds with a complete answer when asked a question.
4. Uses language that is respectful of others' feelings.

Component 3:2
Works cooperatively as a member of a group.

1. Listens to what others present and responds with positive comments and questions.
2. Works within in a group to perform a task and offer ideas.
3. Becomes aware of others' feelings and right to participate in a group.

Component 3:3
Seeks agreement and solution through discussion.

1. Contributes to group problem solving.
2. Accepts responsibility for personal actions.
3. Offers ideas and identifies alternatives and solutions.

4.    The student analyzes and evaluates the effectiveness of formal and informal communication.

Component 4:1
Assesses strengths and need for improvement.

1. Reviews own learning progress in listening and speaking performances and in oral interviews.
2. Participates in conferencing discussions as related to the writing process.

Component 4:2
Seeks and offers feedback.

1. Evaluates and provides feedback on own presentations and those of others.
2. Revises or adds to oral communication in response to requests for clarification or elaboration.

Component 4:3
Analyzes mass communication.

1. Recognizes and views various forms of mass communication such as magazines, television, videos, computers, and newspapers.
2. Describes what is interesting or enjoyable in films and pictures.

Component 4:4
Analyzes how communication is used in career settings.

1. Gains knowledge of communication in the workplace such as telephone conversations and computer messages.
2. Explores the necessity of following directives carefully.