Resources/Recursos

Many literacy programs were not designed to effectively use multilingual students’ knowledge, skills, and strengths. This Snapshot is the third in a five-part series that provides insights from relevant research and suggests ways to engage the significant strengths that multilingual learners bring to their literacy development. 

Released January 2024

Many literacy programs were not designed to effectively use multilingual students’ knowledge, skills, and strengths. This Snapshot is the fifth in a five-part series that provides insights from relevant research and suggests ways to engage the significant strengths that multilingual learners bring to their literacy development. 

Released January 2024

WIDA research findings show that WIDA MODEL Online scale scores can be interpreted in terms of Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) levels. Use the tables in this document to look up students' MODEL scale scores and see the corresponding CEFR levels for each domain.

Released December 2023

This Snapshot will give K-12 educators ideas on how to apply the Proficiency Level Descriptors as they consider scaffolding practices that support multilingual students in meeting grade level content learning goals.

Released November 2023

This WIDA Focus Bulletin explores educators’ and students’ perceptions of the accessibility tools available to all students when taking an online WIDA assessment. The bulletin emphasizes the ways in which the universal tools can support the test-taking experience for multilingual learners.

Published October 2023 
Authors: Jason A. Kemp, Ahyoung Alicia Kim

Released October 2023

The Marco de los estándares del desarrollo auténtico del lenguaje español de WIDA (Marco DALE) is a Spanish language development standards framework with Language Functions and sample Language Features designed to guide Spanish language development. Este documento guía el desarrollo del lenguaje español de forma auténtica a ese lenguaje y a contextos bilingües mediante expectativas del lenguaje que contienen funciones del lenguaje y ejemplos de recursos lingüísticos.

Written in Spanish with English summaries

Released October 2023

Learn how WIDA is more than a test! Mr. Vega is a 6^th grade EAL (English as an Additional Language) teacher at an international school who works with colleagues and families to support multilingual learners. Follow Mr. Vega all year long, as he focuses on what his students can do, using WIDA resources to collaborate and plan effective learning activities throughout the school year.

Released September 2023

The Are We Ready? Educators Collaboration Guide is for PreK-3 educators to use for reflection and planning connected to promoting and providing equitable transitions for multilingual children and their families. Use the Are We Ready? Educators Notetaker to write down your own ideas and transition plans.

See the Teaching in PreK-3 page for context.

Released August 2023

The Are We Ready? Schools and Programs Collaboration Guide is for PreK-3 school and program leaders to use for reflection and planning connected to leading equitable transitions for multilingual children and their families. Use the Are We Ready? Schools and Programs Notetaker to write down your own ideas and transition plans.

See the Teaching in PreK-3 page for context.

Released August 2023

The Are We Ready? Districts and Programs Collaboration Guide is for PreK-3 district and program leaders to use for reflection and planning connected to leading equitable transitions for multilingual children and their families. Use the Are We Ready? Districts and Programs Notetaker to write down your own ideas and transition plans.

See the Teaching in PreK-3 page for context.

Released August 2023

This list has recommended readings and references for PreK-3 educators and leaders to use to explore equitable language-focused transitions for multilingual children and their families.

See the Teaching in PreK-3 page for context.

Released August 2023

Individual Characteristics Questionnaire (ICQ), which is part of WIDA Alternate ACCESS, captures characteristics of students who take Alternate ACCESS. Test Administrators will fill out the ICQ for each student and that information will be reported on the Individual Student Report. ICQ information can help educator teams make program decisions for students. Prior to administering Alternate ACCESS, download and print this example ICQ and use it to consult with Individual Education Plan (IEP) team members about students. Final responses will be entered on the Student Response Booklet.

Small changes were made to the ICQ from 2023-24 to 2024-25.

Released August 2023

ACCESS for ELLs Paper technical reports provide evidence for validity and reliability of ACCESS for ELLs Paper and support intended uses, interpretations, and decision made with the test. This is the redacted report for the 2022-2023 administration of ACCESS for ELLs Paper without item information.

Released June 2023

ACCESS for ELLs Online technical reports provide evidence for validity and reliability of ACCESS for ELLs Online and support intended uses, interpretations, and decision made with the test. This is the redacted report for the 2022-2023 administration of ACCESS for ELLs Online without item information.

Released June 2023

The WIDA Early Years Guiding Principles of Language Development provide practitioners with a broad perspective on key concepts related to the language development of young children learning multiple languages. To further clarify the guiding principles, these research highlights provide practitioners with research-based descriptions and examples of effective practices.

Released June 2023

What should PreK educators consider as they adopt a language-focused approach to planning equitable learning opportunities for multilingual children? Use this Annotated Guide to explore guiding questions designed to help you use the Language-Focused Planning Tool.

Released June 2023

The WIDA Early Language Development Standards, available for English and Spanish language development, are designed for use with children ages 2.5–5.5 years old and correspond to five domains of children’s development and learning: approaches to learning, language and communication development, cognition and general knowledge, physical well-being and motor development, and social and emotional development.

Released April 2023

Making Connections: Using the Michigan Early Learning and Development Standards and WIDA Early Years Resources to Plan Instruction for Young Multilingual Children is a comprehensive resource that offers suggestions, tools, and sample plans for teachers who use the Michigan Early Learning and Development Standards and WIDA resources to plan equitable learning opportunities for young multilingual children.​​

Released February 2023

This version of the report is for educators and provides information about a student’s scores on the Alternate ACCESS English language proficiency test. This test is based on the WIDA Alternate English Language Development Standards and is used to measure students’ progress in learning English. Scores are reported as Language Proficiency Levels and as Scale Scores.

Released February 2023

Use this flyer in intake centers or at parent-teacher conferences as you explain the process of screening students and identifying them as ELLs. This flyer, available in several languages, explains how ELLs are identified and what that status means for students. Use it to help parents understand the purpose of screening and language testing.

Released January 2023