What is a characteristic of K-12 ELL students at the Advanced ELP level in terms of their Listening and Speaking skills?

The characteristic of K-12 English Language Learner (ELL) students at the Advanced English Language Proficiency (ELP) level regarding their listening and speaking skills is that they may mispronounce words, but unfamiliar listeners usually understand them. This reflects the reality that while these students have developed significant proficiency in their language skills, they are still refining their pronunciation and may not consistently produce perfect phonemic sounds. However, their overall communicative competence allows them to be understood in conversations, despite occasional mispronunciations.

Students at this level have usually acquired a functional command of the language, allowing them to engage in discussions and convey their thoughts clearly. Their speaking is often coherent and contextually appropriate, demonstrating an ability to navigate varied topics. However, it’s understood that linguistic imperfections, such as occasional mispronunciations, are normal as they continue to refine their skills. This understanding reinforces the importance of supporting ELL students in their ongoing language development, focusing on building confidence and fluency alongside accuracy.