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

Component 1:1
Focuses attention.

1. Pays attention and sits appropriately, facing forward while others are talking.
2. Demonstrates attentiveness to oral stories, instructions, announcements, class meetings, lessons, and during assemblies.

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

1. Develops awareness of non-verbal communication.
2. Gathers and interprets visual information from sources such as various math materials.
3. Interprets visual text, for example, illustrations, videos, and charts.
4. Listens for, identifies, and explains:  main idea, details, and meaning.
5. Demonstrates 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, where, when, and how.
2. Selects information and gives opinions.

2.    The student communicates ideas clearly and effectively.

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

1. Communicates with teacher, small groups, and class during a variety of classroom activities.
2. Uses narrative form of speech.
3. Relays messages between home and school.

Component 2:2
Develops content and ideas.

1. Chooses relevant content which relates a topic with help from teacher and/or peers.
2. Selects material from sources provided by teacher.
3. Organizes information in a sequential pattern (beginning, middle, and end).
4. Describes ideas in concrete terms.

Component 2:3
Uses effective delivery.

1. Speaks at a volume and rate that most others can follow.
2. Projects voice well.
3. Speaks fluently to the class.
4. Uses good posture and attempts eye content.

Component 2:4
Uses effective language and style.

1. Speaks using standard grammar, complete sentences, and age-appropriate vocabulary.
2. Verbalizes using sequential cue words (first, next, last, before, after, and finally).
3. Uses words and pictures to create an effective presentation.

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

1. Becomes aware of a variety of media and resources to convey a message or enhance an oral presentation.
2. 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. Demonstrates conversation skills, for example, taking turns and responding to others' remarks.
2. Distinguishes between types of speech; such as a chat, instructions, or warning.
3. Uses language that is respectful of others' feelings.

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

1. Works within in a group to perform a task.
2. Contributes to group with ideas and effort.
3. Becomes aware of others' feelings and right to participate in a group.

Component 3:3
Seeks agreement and solution through discussion.

1. Identifies and share ideas.
2. Accepts responsibility for personal actions.
3. Formulates ideas and begins to identify possible 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. Uses established criteria and teacher comments to improve one's own presentation.
2. Participates in conferencing discussions as related to the writing process.

Component 4:2
Seeks and offers feedback.

1. Offers feedback on others' presentations.
2. Accepts feedback on own presentation when appropriate.

Component 4:3
Analyzes mass communication.

1. Identifies various forms of mass communication such as magazines, television, videos, newspapers, and the Internet.

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

1. Identifies varying modes of communication in the workplace, for example e-mail or telephone conversations.