COVID-19 Response and Updates

WIDA’s Response to COVID-19

During the COVID-19 pandemic, WIDA is taking measures to maintain service to our educators in a safe and practical way. WIDA is working with each of the 40 member states, territories and federal agencies of our domestic consortium to determine their specific plans relative to screening (including temporary remote alternatives) and assessment. WIDA also continues to work with WIDA Early Years member states and WIDA International School Consortium members to continue to best serve these communities.

WIDA remains committed to supporting educators, multilingual children and their families during this difficult time, and always. The following includes the latest updates on WIDA’s response to COVID-19 as well as resources for the WIDA community.

Testing Updates

ACCESS for ELLs and WIDA Screener

WIDA has issued a statement from Tim Boals, WIDA founder and director, about ACCESS for ELLs testing during the 2020-21 school year. Additional information may also be found in FAQ: ACCESS for ELLs testing in 2020-21 school year.

Assessment Best Practices During COVID-19* is a WIDA resource designed to support test coordinators and test administrators administering ACCESS for ELLs and WIDA Screener. This resource can be accessed in the WIDA Secure Portal (valid account required).

*The guidance in this documentation reflects WIDA’s analysis of current best practices. It is not medical advice, and it does not replace or amend any guidance provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), your state, your county or your district.

WIDA Remote Screener

WIDA Remote Screener: WIDA has developed a remote screener as a temporary screening tool available for grades K-12 to help teachers identify language development needs to better serve their students. WIDA encourages you to reach out to your district test coordinator for guidance regarding the use of WIDA Remote Screener in your school or district.

WIDA MODEL

WIDA does not support remote administration of WIDA MODEL, as remote administrations risk the validity and reliability of test scores. WIDA has no plans to develop remote administration protocols for these assessments at this time.

Assessment Best Practices During COVID-19 for WIDA MODEL* is a WIDA resource designed to support test coordinators and test administrators administering WIDA MODEL during the COVID-19 pandemic.

*The guidance in this document reflects WIDA’s analysis of current best practices. It is not medical advice, and it does not replace or amend any guidance provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention or your local health authority. Remember to always adhere to health and safety requirements within your school.

Updates

• WIDA ELD Standards Framework: Earlier this year, due to the impact of COVID-19 on schools and communities around the world, WIDA collaborated with state education agencies to determine a new release date for the 2020 Edition. WIDA is excited to announce that the 2020 Edition of the WIDA ELD Standards Framework has been released. WIDA Consortium members/states will determine their own timelines for rollout and implementation. WIDA International School Consortium members refer to independently created timelines and rollout plans developed at your school.  
• WIDA Professional Learning: To help navigate the unique challenges of teaching during the pandemic, WIDA Professional Learning has developed a new series of micro-offerings designed for educators who work with multilingual children and youth across a variety of settings.
• WIDA eSummit: WIDA offered a free virtual learning opportunity for educators in domestic WIDA Consortium member states, territories and federal agencies, the WIDA eSummit, October 12 – 30, 2020. Webinar topics included the WIDA ELD Standards, 2020 Edition, Teaching Multilingual Learners, and WIDA Assessments. Session recordings and resources are available through January 2021.
• WIDA Annual Conference: Planning for the 2021 WIDA Annual Conference is underway and more details about this event will be announced in early 2021. 
• WIDA Social Media: WIDA is using Twitter, Facebook and Instagram as a place to connect with the WIDA community. New WIDA Facebook groups have been established for educators to connect and share resources: the WIDA Educator Exchange and Supporting Success for Multilingual Learners with Disabilities.

Updated January 21