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

Component 1:1
Focuses attention.

1. Gives evidence of paying attention through nodding, maintaining eye contact, asking relevant questions, facial expressions, clapping and hand signals.
2. Pays attention to and responds appropriately in particular contexts.

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

1. Sees relationships between verbal and non-verbal communication.
2. Identifies relationships in visual information and/or people's behaviors.
3. Interprets visual texts and discusses relationships among ideas, information, and events in visual text such as illustrations, graphs, art, and diagrams.
4. Listens for, identifies, and explains:  important as well as extraneous details, pitch, intensity, and intonation of speech.
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 in a variety of contexts and situations.
2. Paraphrases conversations and information.
3. Asks questions to verify judgments and inferences.

2.    The student communicates ideas clearly and effectively.

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

1. Communicates with an expanding range of audiences including people outside school and family.
2. Determines needs of audience and begins to make adjustments in content and technique.
3. Communicates for a range of purposes; for example, to inform, explain, or entertain.
4. Communicates using different forms of oral presentation, such as reports or drama.

Component 2:2
Develops content and ideas.

1. Chooses content appropriate to own purposes, interest, and needs of an audience.
2. Selects relevant material from a variety of sources.
3. Organizes information with clear sequencing of ideas and transitions.
4. Develops an argument.

Component 2:3
Uses effective delivery.

1. Speaks at a volume and pace appropriate to the situation.
2. Projects voice well.
3. Speaks fluently and expressively and begins to appeal to the interest of the audience.
4. Uses good posture and eye contact.
5. Utilizes facial expression and body language to heighten and emphasize message.

Component 2:4
Uses effective language and style.

1. Speaks using standard grammar.
2. Uses complex sentences.
3. Creates vocabulary related to a particular topic.
4. Utilizes language and illustrations well-suited to the audience.

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

1. Uses a variety of media to illustrate and support idea.
2. Accesses 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 free from harassment, libel, or slander.
4. Identifies cultural/gender assumptions.

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

1. Assumes roles within a group to perform a task.
2. Contributes to a group with ideas, suggestions, research, and effort.
3. Begins to show respect for others' opinions by allowing time for responses.

Component 3:3
Seeks agreement and solution through discussion.

1. Acknowledges others' ideas and points of view; identifies similarities and differences.
2. Checks for understanding in group interactions.
3. Contributes responsibly to group efforts.
4. Chooses a position and develops a plan of action.
5. Defines challenges 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 needs for improvement.

1. Helps establish and applies criteria for evaluating 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' presentation in regard to content.
2. Accepts feedback when appropriate and revises own presentation.

Component 4:3
Analyzes mass communication.

1. Identifies and evaluates techniques used in mass communication, such as, name calling and celebrity appeal.
2. Acknowledges the use and impact of fact, opinion, and bias in mass communication.
3. Examines the accuracy and point of view of media.

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

1. Identifies and explores different communication techniques used in a variety of career settings such as to persuade, inform, or instruct.