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

Component 1:1
Focuses attention.

1. Listens while others are talking.
2. Listens to oral stories, instructions, reports, assemblies, and daily announcements.

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

1. Recognizes non-verbal communication.
2. Learns by observing; i.e., a science experiment.
3. Interprets visuals such as illustrations, comics, and videos.
4. Listens for, identifies, and explains:  main ideas, details, fact vs. opinion, and meaning.
5. Listens to follow instructions.

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

1. Asks questions to clarify content and meaning including who, what, why, when, where, and how.
2. Paraphrases information.
3. Reflects on information by sharing 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 group, and class.
2. Begins to show awareness of the needs of an audience.
3. Uses narrative and descriptive forms of speech.

Component 2:2
Develops content and ideas.

1. Chooses content which relates to topic.
2. Selects material from readily available sources.
3. Organizes information in a sequential pattern (beginning, middle, end) using simple transitions.
4. Describes ideas in concrete terms.

Component 2:3
Uses effective delivery.

1. Speaks at a volume and rate that enables others to follow.
2. Projects voice well.
3. Speaks fluently and expressively to the class.
4. Uses good posture and eye contact.
5. Begins to use facial expression and body language to convey a message or enhance an oral presentation.

Component 2:4
Uses effective language and style.

1. Speaks using standard grammar.
2. Uses complete sentences.
3. Uses age-appropriate vocabulary.
4. Uses words and illustrations such as pictures or charts to create an effective presentation.

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

1. Experiments with a variety of media and resources to convey a message or enhance an oral presentation.

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, entering in, taking turns, responding to others' remarks, and closing a conversation.
2. Distinguishes between types of speech; such as a chat, a warning, or a joke.
3. Uses language that is respectful of others' feelings and rights.
4. Shows awareness of possible difficulties when communicating cross-culturally.

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

1. Assumes a variety of assigned roles within a group to perform a task.
2. Contributes to group with ideas and effort.
3. Respects others' feelings and right to participate in a group.

Component 3:3
Seeks agreement and solution through discussion.

1. Identifies and shares ideas and points of view.
2. Accepts responsibility for personal actions.
3. Formulates ideas and identifies possible alternatives.
4. Suggests solutions and initiates action.

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 to evaluate and improve one's own and others' presentations.

Component 4:2
Seeks and offers feedback.

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

Component 4:3
Analyzes mass communication.

1. Identifies various forms of mass communication such as magazines, television, newspapers, and the Internet.
2. Identifies messages in simple advertisements.
3. Identifies fact, opinion, and assumptions in mass communication.
4. Understands that all media is produced from a point of view and with a set of assumptions.

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

1. Identifies different ways people communicate in the workplace; for example, telephone, e-mail, or formal presentations.