Resources/Recursos

Members of the WIDA standards development team share a high-level overview of what’s new and exciting in the WIDA English Language Development Standards Framework, 2020 Edition. Intended for SEA representatives, district leaders, and EL and content teachers.

Released January 2021

This letter, available in many languages, contains general information about ACCESS for ELLs and is meant to accompany ACCESS for ELLs score reports as an explanation for parents and guardians. It is provided in an editable format to allow districts and schools to include additional information regarding test administration dates and state policy.

Released December 2020

Technology-enhanced items (TEIs) are innovative, computer-delivered test items that are more authentic and interactive than traditional multiple-choice items (MCIs). This study examines the performance of grades 1–12 English learners on TEIs compared to MCIs on the reading domain of ACCESS for ELLs Online.

Published December 2020 
Authors: Ahyoung Alicia Kim, Rurik L. Tywoniw, Mark Chapman

Released December 2020

This video provides an introductory overview of the WIDA English Language Development Standards, 2020 Edition. It briefly highlights how the 2020 Edition fosters the assets, contributions, and potential of multilingual learners.

Released December 2020

This report discusses an interdisciplinary and interorganizational endeavor to support the science education of multilingual youth: the Making Science Multilingual program. More specifically, the report addresses the rationale for the program, milestones it accomplished, resources it required, and challenges it faced.

Published November 2020 
Authors: Daniella Molle, Weiqiong Scarlett Huang

Released November 2020

This illustrated booklet, available in multiple languages, brings each of the 10 WIDA Guiding Principles of Language Development to life and can be used by educators with parents, families and community members.

Released November 2020

This focus bulletin explores translanguaging from the perspective of four educators, spanning kindergarten through high school. Translanguaging, a common practice among multilingual people, can be explained as using all languages and language varieties available to communicate and understand the world around oneself. The bulletin provides specific ideas on how to use translanguaging to create spaces for students' multilingualism and includes reflection questions to help educators adopt translanguaging strategies in their practice.

Vea y descargue en español.

Released September 2020

This technical report aids WIDA Consortium members and stakeholders in producing imputed overall composite scale scores and proficiency levels for students who are missing scores in one or two domains due to a disability. 

Published September 2020 
Author: Narek Sahakyan

Released September 2020

Este boletín de enfoque explora el translenguaje desde la perspectiva de cuatro educadores, y abarca el contexto de kínder hasta el 12º grado. El translenguaje, lo cual es una práctica común entre las personas multilingües, se define como el uso de todos los lenguajes y sus variedades disponibles para comunicarnos y comprender el mundo que nos rodea. El boletín proporciona ideas específicas sobre cómo usar el translenguaje para crear espacios para el multilingüismo de los estudiantes e incluye preguntas de reflexión para apoyar a los educadores en su aplicación de estrategias de translenguaje en su práctica.

View and download in English

Released September 2020

Este documento ayuda a los padres y a las familias a comprender la prueba de WIDA ACCESS for ELLs y sus componentes.

Released August 2020

Envíe este folleto de introducción a ACCESS for ELLs en español con los estudiantes cuando la prueba esté programada o como un recordatorio para los padres antes de que se le compartan las puntuaciones. Este folleto explica qué es ACCESS y por qué los estudiantes son evaluados de esta manera. Utilice este recurso para ayudar a los padres a comprender las pruebas anuales de competencia lingüística.

Released August 2020

Este boletín de enfoque ofrece estrategias para avanzar la equidad en los programas bilingües en el mundo actual de COVID-19. Se da énfasis a la importancia de la diversidad lingüística y cultural, el translenguaje y recursos tecnológicos para la equidad.

View and download in English

Released August 2020

This Focus Bulletin offers strategies for advancing full and meaningful access in bilingual settings during the mundo actual of COVID-19. The bulletin emphasizes the importance of valuing multilingual learners’ linguistic and cultural wealth, using translanguaging, and leveraging technological resources.

Vea y descargue en español

Published August 2020
Authors: Sam Aguirre, Erika Rosales

Released August 2020

Send this flyer home with students along with the ACCESS for ELLs Individual Student Report. This flyer explains each piece of score information included in the report. Use this guide, available in several languages, to help parents understand what scores mean and how they are used.

Released July 2020

Send this handout, available in multiple languages, home with students as an introduction to ACCESS when testing is scheduled or as a reminder before scores are shared. This flyer explains what ACCESS is and why student take this kind of assessment. Use this resource to help parents understand annual language proficiency testing.

Note: For family handouts that explain ELL status and language testing, refer to the What is WIDA Screener? and What is WIDA Alternate Screener? handouts.

Released July 2020

This chart allows educators to track students by their level of English language proficiency.

Released June 2020

In this study, completed for the Maryland State Department of Education, we explore the perceptions, experiences and decision-making of 27 parents of young multilingual children, ages birth to 5 years. The focus revolves around children’s language learning and development, family engagement practices and children’s participation in early care and education (ECE) programs.

Published 2020

Released May 2020

In this study, completed for the Minnesota Department of Education, we explore the perceptions, experiences and decision-making of 15 parents of young multilingual children, ages birth to 5 years. The focus revolves around children’s language learning and development, family engagement practices and children’s participation in early care and education (ECE) programs.

Published 2020

Released May 2020

This Arabic-language flyer provides educators with information on how home languages play an important role in maintaining communication and relationships with family.​

Released May 2020

This Simplified Chinese-language flyer provides educators with information on how home languages play an important role in maintaining communication and relationships with family.​

Released May 2020