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

Component 1:1
Focuses attention.

1. Gives evidence of paying attention by nodding, maintaining eye contact, and showing facial expressions.
2. Responds appropriately in social interactions and when receiving information.

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

1. Demonstrates an awareness of the relationship between verbal and non-verbal communication.
2. Obtains information from visual sources and observation of behaviors.
3. Interprets and discusses ideas, information, and events in visual text such as illustrations, graphs, and diagrams.
4. Listens for, identifies, and explains:  main ideas, important as well as extraneous details, fact vs. opinion, meaning, and cause and effect.
5. Demonstrates listening strategies for gaining information.

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

1. Asks questions to clarify content and meaning.
2. Paraphrases information.
3. Develops questions to verify judgments.

2.    The student communicates ideas clearly and effectively.

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

1. Communicates to teacher, small group, and class.
2. Becomes aware of the audience's needs.
3. Communicates for a range of purposes, for example, to inform or entertain.
4. Relays information using different forms, for example, oral presentations, stories, or reports.

Component 2:2
Develops content and ideas.

1. Chooses content appropriate to one's interest and purposes.
2. Selects material from a variety of readily available source.
3. Organizes information with clear sequencing of ideas and simple transitions.
4. Describes ideas using concrete and abstract terms.

Component 2:3
Uses effective delivery.

1. Speaks at a volume and rate that is appropriate to the situation.
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 and complete sentences.
2. Uses age-appropriate vocabulary.
3. Utilizes words and a variety of illustrations to create an effective presentation.

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

1. Uses a variety of media to illustrate and support ideas.
2. Uses available technology as a presentation tool.

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. Uses language to interact with others, for example, to greet people, compliment, give encouragement, or express feelings.
2. Responds to different types of speech and audiences.
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. Builds skills for a variety of assigned roles within a group.
2. Contributes ideas, suggestions, and effort in a group.
3. Respects others' feelings and right to participate in a group.

Component 3:3
Seeks agreement and solution through discussion.

1. Acknowledges others' ideas; identifies similarities and differences.
2. Checks for understanding in group interactions.
3. Accepts responsibility for personal actions.
4. Formulates ideas, identifies possible alternatives, and chooses a position.
5. Suggests solutions, initiates action, and encourages others to act.

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

Component 4:1
Assesses own strengths and need for improvement.

1. Uses established criteria to evaluate and improve one's own and others' presentations.
2. Knows the qualities that make a presentation effective.
3. Evaluates excellent presentations to improve own work.

Component 4:2
Seeks and offers feedback.

1. With guidance, offers feedback on others' presentations in regard to content.
2. Accepts and applies feedback to own presentation when appropriate.

Component 4:3
Analyzes mass communication.

1. Identifies various forms of mass communication and messages in simple advertisements.
2. Recognizes fact, opinion, and bias in mass communication.
3. Recognizes that a point of view exists in media.

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

1. Identifies different communication techniques used in a variety of career settings.