Pearson's Learning Foundations describe the optimal conditions for learning and reflect the learner experience Pearson hopes their products will create. Pearson does this by incorporating the Learning Design Principles. Each of the Learning Design Principles goes into detail about a key principle, supporting product design and marketing by describing: (1) the research that informs the principle; (2) why it matters in learning; and (3) how to apply it in practice. This document discusses the importance of using English performance standards as a tool for identifying the language that learners are expected to demonstrate/achieve at increasing levels of proficiency. Performance standards guide curriculum development, ensure that what is taught matches what is assessed, inform learners about their learning goals, and inform what assessments should measure, which helps create test specifications.