The document outlines the National Standards for Foreign Language Learning, which describe what students should know and be able to do with foreign languages. The standards have 5 goals known as the 5 Cs: Communication, Cultures, Connections, Comparisons, and Communities. There are 11 standards within these 5 goals that guide curriculum to enable students to know how, when, and why to communicate appropriately depending on the situation. The standards are meant to encourage students to use language both in and outside the classroom for personal enjoyment and lifelong learning.