Throughout the continuum, each PLD is detailed across three modes of communication including Collaborative, Interpretive, and Productive. The Collaborative mode of communication entails the interaction and engagement in dialogue with others. Interpretive communication consists of the analysis and comprehension of both spoken and written texts, and the Productive mode involves the creation of oral presentations and written texts (“Proficiency Level Descriptors,” 2014). In addition, these three modes of communication are measured against two dimensions of language knowledge including Metalinguistic Awareness and Accuracy of Production. Metalinguistic Awareness is the degree of awareness and self-monitoring that a student exhibits in their communication; whereas, Accuracy of Production is the extent to which a student is able to …show more content…
As ELs progress through each stage of the PLDs, they first enter the Early stage with basic skill and knowledge, before entering the Exit stage, where they are able to apply their knowledge and skills to more challenging forms of communication and language discipline. Each stage of the continuum can be compared to the rungs of a figurative ladder that ELs must mount in order to achieve English language proficiency. As each student progresses to the next stage of each level, they draw closer to the final outcome after the Exit stage of the Bridging level, which is Lifelong English Learning. Here students have finally reached English language proficiency, and are able to communicate through a vast array of contexts, using a wide variety of vocabulary and age appropriate language; therefore, they are reclassified as English proficient and require only occasional support when engaging English based