A Guide to Using the Common Framework of Reference (CFR) with Learners of English as an Additional Language

A Guide to Using the Common Framework of Reference (CFR) with Learners of English as an Additional Language

The Common Framework of Reference (CFR) is a criterion-referenced performance scale that supports educators as they work with a growing demographic of learners that require English as an Additional Language (EAL) supports. In order to ensure that such learners attain high levels of achievement across the Saskatchewan curriculum, the use of reference scales and corresponding resources is valuable to teacher planning and development of: 

 effective strategies to support English language learners;  consistent approaches to instruction and assessment based on language needs; and,  ongoing monitoring of student progress over time. 

The Common Framework of Reference (CFR) is a well-established language framework that identifies ways in which learners at various levels of proficiency use language to perform meaningful, authentic tasks. The descriptors within the CFR identify observable behaviours that can be structured to support the attainment of provincial curriculum outcomes for EAL learners.