Resources/Recursos

Use the WIDA Speaking Rubric to understand the scores students earn on ACCESS for ELLs (Online and Paper), analyze student performance in the classroom, and plan ways to scaffold language learning.

Note: Do not use this rubric to score WIDA assessments. Find relevant scoring tools in the appropriate WIDA assessment training course.

Released January 2020

Use the WIDA Writing Rubric to understand the scores students earn on ACCESS for ELLs (Online and Paper), analyze student performance in the classroom, and plan ways to scaffold language learning.

Note: Do not use this rubric to score WIDA assessments. Find relevant scoring tools in the appropriate WIDA assessment training course. 

Released January 2020

This Focus Bulletin explores the kind of spoken English language that multilingual learners benefit from developing, showing how that oral language is described in WIDA standards resources and assessed on the ACCESS for ELLs Speaking test.

Published October 2019 
Authors: Mark Chapman, Dale Erlandson

Released November 2019

These guiding principles of language development and learning exemplify WIDA’s overarching foundational beliefs and ever-present Can Do Philosophy. The guide includes research citations and defines WIDA's use of the term multilingual learner.

This guide, available in multiple languages, can be used as a resource for educators to share with parents and families.

Released September 2019

The illustrated models and procedures can be applied to calculate overall composite scores to identify an indicator of English language proficiency, based on composite scores for English learners with 504 or individualized education plans who are missing one or more domain scores on the Assessing Comprehension and Communication in English State-to-State for English Language Learners assessment for state monitoring, achievement and accountability determinations.

Released May 2019

WIDA research findings show that MODEL Online overall composite scale scores can predict overall composite proficiency level (PL) scores on ACCESS for ELLs. Use the table in this document to look up a student's overall composite scale score on MODEL Online and estimate the PL score that they would be likely to receive on ACCESS.

Released April 2019

This study examined how English learners in grades 1-12, with and without disabilities, used online accessibility features during an ELP assessment. These accessibility features are designed to provide the necessary support for the general EL population, including ELs with disabilities.

Published March 2019 
Authors: Ahyoung Alicia Kim, Meltem Yumsek, Mark Chapman, H. Gary Cook

Released March 2019

These lesson plans (with accompanying worksheets) guide grades K-5 students in understanding language proficiency, determining their own strengths, and setting goals for language development.

Released December 2018

These lesson plans (with accompanying worksheets) guide grades 6-12 students in understanding language proficiency, determining their own strengths, and setting goals for language development.

Released December 2018

This document describes WIDA's viewpoint of the criteria for an assessment to be used as a valid interim English language proficiency assessment in support of the annual administration of WIDA ACCESS.

Released November 2018

This study examines how 476 K–12 educators in 35 U.S. states identify and place English learners in language instruction educational programs. Findings reveal information about these educators, the instruments and information sources they use for decision making, and their perceived appropriateness of the decisions. Results provide practical implications for improving the English learner identification and placement decision at the district and school levels.

Released October 2018

WIDA intends to fully retire the WIDA English Language Development Standards and Resource Guide, International Edition: Kindergarten-Grade 12. However, we recognize that schools have different timelines for implementation of the updated WIDA ELD Standards Framework, 2020 Edition. With that in mind, the earlier International Edition will remain in the Resource Library so that schools that are still using it may access it as needed.

The international edition of the 2012 Amplification of the WIDA English Language Development Standards was developed in response to growing interest from educators outside the U.S. for standards and assessments that can support and document the development of academic English among their students.

The 2012 ELD Standards Framework represented the social, instructional and academic language that students need to engage with peers, educators, and the curriculum in schools and included examples of how language is processed or produced within a particular context through Model Performance Indicators (MPIs). MPIs were meant to be examples and not fixed guidelines of the language with which students may engage during instruction and assessment.

Released August 2017

Based on a U.S. Department of Education guide, these model analyses illustrate procedures a state could use to compare and contrast school-level overall and English learner accountability determinations for proficiency in reading/language arts. These examples are provided only to illustrate how a state could undertake them as part of its efforts to develop and explore a theory of action for assessment of recently arrived English learners.

Released March 2017

The 2012 Amplification of the WIDA English Language Development Standards, Kindergarten-Grade 12, represented the social, instructional, and academic language students might need to engage with peers, educators, and the curriculum in schools. The 2012 Amplification included examples of how language could be processed or produced within a particular context through Model Performance Indicators (MPIs). MPIs were meant to be examples and not fixed guidelines of the language with which students may have engaged during instruction and assessment.

WIDA intends to fully retire the 2012 Amplification of the WIDA English Language Development Standards, Kindergarten-Grade 12. However, we recognize that all member SEAs have different timelines for implementation of the WIDA ELD Standards Framework, 2020 Edition. With that in mind, the 2012 Amplification will remain in the Resource Library so that educators whose SEAs are still using it may access it as needed.

Released March 2017

This WIDA Focus Bulletin outlines ways in which educators can provide English Language Learners with disabilities access to complex language via classroom activities and engagement opportunities.

Published March 2017 
Authors: Lynn Shafer Willner, Cynthia Lundgren, Mira Monroe, Julia Cortada

Released February 2017

General advice to teachers who want to help prepare their students to take ACCESS for ELLs Paper.

Released November 2016

This document contains the performance definitions for the expressive domains of speaking and writing.

Released November 2016

This document contains the performance definitions for the receptive domains of listening and reading.

Released November 2016

This paper examine how 18 K–12 educators from 13 states and 12 parents from two states interpret and use score reports from the WIDA ACCESS for ELLs. Educators frequently referred to the proficiency level index of the four language domains of listening, speaking, reading, and writing, and the composite domains to interpret student performance, to make school-level decisions about programming and lesson planning, and to inform district-level budgeting and professional development. Parents found the score report to be helpful, but rarely took additional actions to use its information.

Released November 2016

The WIDA Accessibility and Accommodations Framework consists of the application of effective linguistic scaffolding and Universal Design principles to the development of test items, use of administrative considerations and purposeful design and delivery of universal tools and accommodations.

Released September 2016