Ask Fatima: Answers to your questions about the Marco DALE
By Fatima Rivera
Ask Fatima is a column that regularly appears in the WIDA Español Newsletter and answers some of the questions most frequently asked by nuestros maestros, personal de apoyo y administradores. Recibimos muchas de sus preguntas, often through various channels, including email, phone calls or at conferences. Ask Fatima is a valuable resource for educators. Les ayudará a mantenerse informados sobre the latest products, resources and professional learning opportunities that WIDA offers.
La información provided is critical for educators to stay informed on the latest trends and tools del programa WIDA Español and to ensure that los maestros tengan los recursos que necesitan to deliver the best possible education to their students. Ask Fatima allows us to foster a community of educators y proveer apoyos personalizados y recursos para ellos. Ask Fatima is committed to supporting everyone, every step of the way. Keep an eye out for Ask Fatima segments in WIDA Español News!
What are the connections between the Marco DALE and the WIDA English Language Development Standards Framework, 2020 Edition?
The Marco DALE and the WIDA ELD Standards Framework, 2020 Edition were designed using the same framework. They approach language use through the same lens, but the Marco DALE was developed by bilingual educators with a focus on the unique nature of the Spanish language.
The Marco DALE gives higher visibility to translanguaging as we understand that Spanish language development in the context of the U.S. always happens in parallel to English language development, and translanguaging encourages students and teachers to leverage their entire linguistic repertoire in the learning and teaching of Spanish. Interaction also plays a much greater role in the Marco DALE than in the ELD Standards Framework, for not only is it una idea principal (Big Idea), it also shows up in the modes of communication. While the 2020 Edition has two modes of communication (interpretive and expressive), the Marco DALE has three modes (interpretative, expressive and interactive).
How can the Administrator Resource help with the implementation of the Marco DALE?
The Administrator Resource for the Implementation of the Marco DALE is a comprehensive resource in English that offers essential insights into the Marco DALE framework. It includes a detailed high-level summary that outlines the framework’s overarching goals and objectives. Additionally, the document thoroughly explains the main components that constitute the Marco DALE framework, providing clarity on its structure and functionality. Furthermore, it delves into policy and programming implications, highlighting how these elements can be integrated into practical applications and strategic decision-making processes. This resource aims to serve as a foundational guide for stakeholders looking to understand and effectively implement the principles of the Marco DALE.
At the end of each section, we have provided insights on how educators can integrate the WIDA language frameworks into their teaching practices. This includes practical strategies and examples that highlight the connections between the framework and various instructional approaches, enabling educators to enhance language development among their students.
How can the Marco DALE Digital Explorer help with the implementation of the Marco DALE?
The Marco DALE Digital Explorer is an innovative tool that has been designed to support educators in effectively implementing the Marco DALE framework within their classrooms, schools and districts. The Marco DALE Digital Explorer is interconnected to the WIDA English Language Development Standards Framework, 2020 Edition Digital Explorer. This means that educators can now access Language Expectations for both the Marco DALE and the ELD Standards Framework, 2020 Edition simultaneously. The digital explorer enables school districts to incorporate both standards frameworks into local learning management systems for curriculum planning.
When using the Marco DALE Digital Explorer, educators will be able to efficiently locate specific Language Functions and sample Language Features from the Marco DALE. To implement the Marco DALE, educators will need to choose the Key Language Use that best corresponds to the unit or lesson they are teaching in the Marco DALE Digital Explorer, which includes "relatar" (narrate), "informar" (inform), "explicar" (explain) or "argumentar" (argue). Following that, educators will select the mode of communication that aligns with the unit or lesson: "interpretativo" (interpretative), "interactivo" (interactive) or "expresivo" (expressive). Finally, upon selecting a Language Expectation, a pop-out box will appear, displaying the Language Functions and, if available, sample Language Features.
WIDA is thrilled about the opportunities for educators teaching Spanish to discover valuable and practical uses for the Marco DALE. We also highly recommend that educators explore and utilize the ELD Standards Framework, 2020 Edition Digital Explorer. Additionally, we encourage educators to request the integration of these digital explorers into their local learning management systems. This integration will enhance the connectivity with district- and school-level curriculum, providing a more cohesive and comprehensive learning experience for students.
What are some other WIDA Español resources that are available?
Explore the following:
- Review the following Focus Bulletins.
- Register! We're thrilled to announce new in-person professional learning opportunities in 2025. Learn more about the WIDA Academy Afirmando la experiencia bilingüe con el Marco DALE.
- Read more about how to use the Marco DALE Digital Explorer.
- Receive the latest updates from WIDA Español directly to your inbox. Our quarterly news from WIDA Español keeps you informed about events, research and news. Subscribe now!
About the Author
Fatima Rivera is the WIDA Español coordinator. In her role, Fatima is responsible for outreach and coordination of WIDA Español events with internal and external stakeholders, managing communication vehicles for WIDA Español and supporting administrative needs of the WIDA Español program.
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