Resources/Recursos

This resource includes the grades 6-8 materials that are part of the WIDA English Language Development Standards Framework, 2020 Edition. The materials specific to this grade-level cluster have been pulled together to provide educators of students in grades 6-8 with a smaller, more manageable booklet to support their implementation of the WIDA ELD Standards Framework in their classroom.

Released October 2021

This resource includes the grades 9-12 materials that are part of the WIDA English Language Development Standards Framework, 2020 Edition. The materials specific to this grade-level cluster have been pulled together to provide educators of students in grades 9-12 with a smaller, more manageable booklet to support their implementation of the WIDA ELD Standards Framework in their classroom.

Released October 2021

Marco de referencia de las artes del lenguaje del español de WIDA: Aplicación para la actualización y desarrollo de estándares is the first Spanish language arts framework of its kind in the United States. This document serves as a guide to learn more about the elements of Marco ALE and how to apply them in the enhancement, development, and alignment of Spanish language arts standards.

Written in Spanish with English summaries

Released October 2021

This report examines English learners’ (EL) testing, proficiency and growth in the academic years of 2018–19, 2019–20 and 2020–21, using population-level data from ACCESS for ELLs Online, administered across the WIDA Consortium to students identified as ELs. The objective of the report is to shed light on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on ELs’ educational outcomes.

October 2021 
Authors: Narek Sahakyan, H. Gary Cook

Released October 2021

Marco de referencia de las artes del lenguaje del español de WIDA: Aplicación para la enseñanza is the first Spanish language arts framework of its kind in the United States. This document serves as a guide to learn more about the elements of Marco ALE and how to apply them in the teaching of Spanish language arts. Note: This is a sample of the document. Visit the WIDA Store to purchase the complete version.

Written in Spanish with English summaries

Released August 2021

The purpose of this technical report is to describe the 2020 content refreshment and field test of WIDA MODEL Online tests for grades 1–12.

Released May 2021

In this webinar, the WIDA standards development team discusses and models the tools, provided in the 2020 Edition, for initiating critical conversations with school leaders and colleagues.

Released March 2021

The WIDA English Language Development (ELD) Standards Framework, 2020 Edition: Kindergarten – Grade 12 is a document that provides a foundation for curriculum, instruction and assessment for multilingual learners in kindergarten through grade 12. The ELD Standards Framework fosters the assets, contributions, and potential of multilingual learners. The 2020 Edition serves as a resource for planning and implementing language instruction and assessment for multilingual learners as they learn academic content.

Grade level cluster-specific versions of the 2020 Edition are also available.

Released February 2021

The WIDA ELD Standards Framework, 2020 Edition brings new practical ways for all educators working with multilingual learners to conceptualize the development of content and language together through asset-based, equitable, and rigorous approaches in curricular design. This session will encourage participants to think about what collaboration looks like in these contexts.

Released February 2021

One of the components of the WIDA ELD Standards Framework is the Key Language Uses (KLUs). The KLUs summarize the most prominent language uses across disciplines, helping educators organize and prioritize curriculum and instruction. Learn about the updated KLUs – Inform, Narrate, Explain and Argue.

Released February 2021

This guide illustrates a continuum of language development for multilingual Kindergarten learners and describes what they can do across six levels of English language proficiency

Released February 2021

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 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 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

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 students take this kind of assessment. Use this resource to help parents understand annual language proficiency testing.

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

Released July 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

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