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ACTFL Standards

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Aligned with National Standards. Designed for Real-World Proficiency.

Korean American Center’s Korean language programs are fully aligned with the ACTFL World-Readiness Standards for Language Learning—the leading national framework used by schools and language programs across the United States.

Whether you’re interested in learning Korean, asking a question, or exploring ways to collaborate, Korean American Center welcomes your message. Please reach out using the contact information below or submit the inquiry form. A member of our team will follow up as soon as possible.

What Is ACTFL?

The American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL) is a nationally recognized authority on world language education. Its World-Readiness Standards provide a structured, research-based framework used across U.S. K–12 schools and higher education to guide curriculum development and language instruction.

ACTFL standards focus on five key areas of learning, often called the 5 Cs:

  • Communication
  • Cultures
  • Connections
  • Comparisons
  • Communities

How We Apply ACTFL Standards

At Korean American Center, ACTFL standards shape every part of our instruction, including:

  • Curriculum Design – Ensuring a progression from foundational skills to advanced proficiency across listening, speaking, reading, and writing.
  • Instructional Methods – Supporting differentiated instruction for both heritage and non-heritage learners.
  • Assessment Practices – Using proficiency benchmarks to track progress and personalize support.
  • Cultural Integration – Embedding authentic cultural context into every lesson.

How We Apply ACTFL Standards

At Korean American Center, ACTFL standards shape every part of our instruction, including:

  • Curriculum Design – Ensuring a progression from foundational skills to advanced proficiency across listening, speaking, reading, and writing.
  • Instructional Methods – Supporting differentiated instruction for both heritage and non-heritage learners.
  • Assessment Practices – Using proficiency benchmarks to track progress and personalize support.
  • Cultural Integration – Embedding authentic cultural context into every lesson.

Why This Matters

ACTFL alignment means our students are learning Korean in ways that are academically rigorous, culturally responsive, and nationally recognized. It ensures:

  • Programs that align with U.S. school systems for academic credit and transferability.
  • A clear framework for student progress, from beginner through advanced.
  • Instruction rooted in evidence-based practice—not just conversational exposure.
  • A classroom experience that balances structure with real-world application.

Whether a student is beginning their Korean journey or building on existing knowledge, ACTFL standards provide the structure and quality to support long-term growth.

Get your free parent's guide to understanding actfl proficiency standards

ACTFL Three Modes of Communication

Understand What You Read/Watch/Hear (Interpretive)

Making sense of Korean you read, hear, or watch.

Real World Application: Reading a short comic; following teacher directions or a song chorus, getting the main idea from short stories/videos

  • “I can follow simple class directions.”
  • “I can understand the main idea of a story.”
  • “I can understand a short video made for kids.”

    • Talk Together/Speaking (Interpersonal)

    Back-and-forth conversation in real time—asking, answering, and fixing misunderstandings.

    Real World Application: partner chats about weekend plans; role-play ordering snacks.

  • "I can ask and answer simple questions about my family and school.”
  • “I can ask and answer how someone feels.”
  • “I can ask and answer questions about school or hobbies.”

    • Share Your Message
    Writing/Speaking (Presentational)

    Planning and delivering something for others—spoken or written.

    Real World Application: a 30-second show-and-tell; a short note or card to grandparents.

  • "I can write my name and a label in Hangul."
  • “I can give a 30-second introduction with slides.”
  • “I can write a 3–4 sentence note to my grandparents.”

    • Get your free parent's guide

    Related Page

    Learn more about how our instructors bring these standards to life:

    Visit Our Certified Instruction Page

    American Korean Institute

    Learn Korean. Experience Culture. Connect Community.From our roots in Orange County to learners everywhere, our accredited Korean language and culture programs bring expert teaching and cultural connection online and in person.

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