The English Language Arts section and both supplements of this document are further augmented by performance profiles. These performance profiles include a brief description of the students' performance and a list of five to seven indicators students may exhibit as they progress in their literacy development. The profiles are characterized differently in the sections and supplements. For example, the ESOL supplement refers to competencies instead of profiles. The mathematics section does not include performance profiles as they are considered less meaningful by mathematics teachers. Often, the most complex of mathematical tasks can be performed by knowing only the simplest of operations. Thus, in mathematics, three performance levels are difficult to address as sequential or dependent upon one another.

The profiles that are included are neither exhaustive nor extensive. They are intended as guideposts or markers which can be used to assist adult educators and adult learners in assessing their growth. To teachers new to adult literacy, these profiles are meant to be a starting point. To experienced teachers, the profiles serve as touchstones upon which curriculum or assessment standards appropriate for learners and programs can be built. More information on instruction and classroom management is provided later in this introduction. Specific learning experiences will be provided in a separate document and will further support the learning standards, the goals, and the objectives.

These profiles for literacy development should be viewed as marker s along a performance continuum that proceeds from novice to expert. They are not intended as rigid constructs that become barriers to student progress and learning. Students will be at multiple points along this continuum.

Expert performance indicates levels of performance widely valued and recognized by society at large. Its markers (benchmarks) are based on the work of those who excel in their field of expertise. Few reach that level of expertise, but lifelong learning means persevering on the journey.