(1) A student at the end of benchmark 1, at the proficient level of world languages demonstrates solid academic performance.   He/she:

(a) initiates exchanges of simple information (e.g., likes and dislikes, descriptions, basic needs, familiar topics) ;

(b) comprehends main ideas from authentic material appropriate for his/her level;

(c) communicates orally and/or in writing for an assigned purpose and audience;

(d) identifies some significant cultural contributions of the target language culture;

(e) identifies, within familiar contexts, target language information and skills;

(f) uses authentic resources to recognize some cultural information and perspectives;

(g) recognizes sound and structural patterns of the target language and makes connections to his/her first language;

(h) identifies similarities and differences among target cultures with his/her culture; and

(i) identifies language and culture connections within and outside the classroom.