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

Component 1:1
Focuses attention.

1. Provides evidence of attentiveness such as nodding, maintaining eye contact, taking notes, asking relevant questions, and offering responses.
2. Pays attention and responds appropriately in varying contexts such as social interactions, receiving information, and as an audience for others' presentations.

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

1. Identifies the relationship between verbal and non-verbal communication.
2. Utilizes visual information and/or people's behaviors.
3. Views and analyzes visual texts for correlation of ideas, information, and events.
4. Listens for, identifies, and explains:  the determination of important concrete ideas, relationships in stories and poems, and the effect pitch, intensity and intonation have on meaning.
5. Demonstrates listening strategies for gaining information.

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

1. Asks questions to clarify content, meaning, and intent in a variety of contexts and situations.
2. Paraphrases to expand and refine understanding.
3. Formulates questions to test judgments and verify inferences.
4. Constructs hypotheses.

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 such as community members, computer generated correspondents, or informational sources.
2. Determines needs of an audience and makes adjustments in content, technique to enhance delivery, and message.
3. Communicates for a range of purposes, for example to describe, explain, inform, persuade, narrate, or entertain.
4. Communicates using different forms of oral presentation such as reports, drama, demonstrations, or reenactments.

Component 2:2
Develops content and ideas.

1. Chooses content appropriate to own purpose and interest and needs of a selected audience.
2. Documents relevant material from a variety of sources.
3. Organizes information with a clear sequencing of ideas and transitions.
4. Constructs a rational argument.

Component 2:3
Uses effective delivery.

1. Varies tone, pitch, and pace of speech to create effect and aid communication.
2. Projects voice well.
3. Addresses the interest of the audience.
4. Uses good posture and eye contact.
5. Uses 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. Chooses a range of vocabulary that will create interest related to a particular topic.
4. Considers voice when analyzing word choice to suit the chosen audience.

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

1. Explores a variety of oral, artistic, graphic, or multimedia 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 that is accurate, equitable, and respectful.
2. Responds and acknowledges different types of speech and audiences.
3. Uses language that is free from stereotyping, bias, libel, slander, or harassment.
4. Recognizes cultural/gender assumptions and perspectives.

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

1. Assumes roles or task within a group to perform a task.
2. Works cooperatively in a group, contributing suggestions, research, and effort.
3. Respects others' opinions by allowing time for response and feedback.

Component 3:3
Seeks agreement and solution through discussion.

1. Acknowledges others' ideas and point 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 strengths and needs for improvement.

1. Applies personal criteria for evaluating one's own and others' presentations.
2. Knows and refines qualities to make presentations effective.
3. Reviews effective presentations to improve own work.

Component 4:2
Seeks and offers feedback.

1. Seeks and offers feedback on his/her own presentation and others' presentations in regard to content, organization, and delivery.
2. Utilizes feedback as a tool to improve own presentation.

Component 4:3
Analyzes mass communication.

1. Identifies and evaluates more complex propaganda/advertising techniques in mass communication.
2. Recognizes the uses and impact of fact, opinion, and bias in mass communication.
3. Examines the accuracy, point of view, and assumptions of the media.

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

1. Identifies different communication techniques used in career settings to persuade, inform, instruct, or analyze.