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Find out about enhancements to WIDA AMS that are set to go live for the 2022-23 school year! Browse this article to learn about changes to the WIDA AMS landing page, test practice and sample items with accommodations, customer service tools and the test monitoring application.

In this edition of Featured Educator, you get double the fun content! Not only do you learn about the incredible Christy Osborne and her life as an English learner consultant, but you also get a sneak peek at her 2022 WIDA Annual Conference session. Two must-read topics brought to you in a Q&A format.

In this opinion piece, Tim Boals, WIDA founder and director, gives his perspective on what it takes to make sure that multilingual students encounter opportunities to learn and experience equality in the classroom. Tim rounds out his message with a list of 12 elements that school programs should have to ensure that multilingual learners thrive.

“Wait a second... does that headline say, ‘field test’?” If these words give you pause, you are not alone. The idea of a field test may rouse all sorts of questions and emotions. The good news is, the Advancing ALTELLA team, which is powered by WIDA, is here to answer those questions (and conjure up positive, can do emotions).

Let the excitement commence… Registration is open for the 2022 WIDA Annual Conference! This in-person event (that’s right, it’s back!) takes place September 28-30, 2022, in Louisville, Kentucky. A curated virtual attendance option is also available.

In this article, math coach Patricia Aube ponders the idea of beginning with the end in mind, and how the Language Expectations of the WIDA ELD Standards Framework, 2020 Edition can help educators create clear unit-level goals to support backward planning.

In this edition of Conversations with Tim, Tim talks to Kenji Hakuta, a professor emeritus at Stanford University and expert on multilingual learner education. During their conversation, Kenji shared his reflections on multilingual learner education – touching on what he’s observed and where we are today. 

Listening option: Listen to the audio here or click “Read more” to continue reading.

In this article, Sam Aguirre, WIDA Español director, examines recent research on students who have exited an English learner program but appear to need additional language support. Sam outlines the legal requirements of bi/multilingual students who exit English learner programs and provides recommendations to enhance services.

En este artículo, Samuel Aguirre, director de WIDA Español, examina investigaciones recientes sobre estudiantes que han salido de un programa para aprendices del inglés y quienes parecen necesitar apoyo lingüístico adicional. Sam describe los requisitos legales para los estudiantes bi/multilingües que terminan estos programas y brinda recomendaciones para mejorar sus servicios.

Are you new to WIDA Screener for Kindergarten? Have you administered the test before but can’t remember where to find things like training and test materials? Use this brief reference to all things WIDA Screener for Kindergarten so that you are ready to welcome your young multilingual learners.