Resources/Recursos

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

This research brief presents findings and policy implications from a recent research study exploring the so-called long-term English learner (LTEL) population across WIDA states. The findings highlight a continuing need for research that rejects an overly simplistic understanding of the LTEL designation. The next phase of this research will use student- and school-level data from three states to examine how individual and school factors can affect the diverse trajectories of ELs’ language development over time.

Published January 2019

Released January 2019

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

This video provides an overview of the WIDA Can Do Philosophy – the foundational belief that every learner brings valuable contributions to everything they do.

Released September 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 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

A helpful supplement to using the Can Do Descriptors, Key Uses Edition.

Released August 2016

The WIDA Can Do Descriptors, Key Uses Edition provides examples of what language learners can do at various stages of English language development in Listening, Reading, Speaking and Writing.

Released August 2016

The WIDA Can Do Descriptors, Key Uses Edition provides examples of what language learners can do at various stages of English language development in Listening, Reading, Speaking and Writing.

Released August 2016

The WIDA Can Do Descriptors, Key Uses Edition provides examples of what language learners can do at various stages of English language development in Listening, Reading, Speaking and Writing.

Released August 2016

The WIDA Can Do Descriptors, Key Uses Edition provides examples of what language learners can do at various stages of English language development in Listening, Reading, Speaking and Writing.

Released August 2016

The WIDA Can Do Descriptors, Key Uses Edition provides examples of what language learners can do at various stages of English language development in Listening, Reading, Speaking and Writing.

Released August 2016

This study examines oral language development of 14 dual language learners ages 2.5 to 5.5 years in preschools in the Midwestern United States. They engaged in five key language uses: argue, explain, heuristic, recount, and request. Preschoolers 2.5 to 3.5 years only made simple requests or argued to meet their needs; the older cohort demonstrated a wider range of key language uses.

Released March 2016

The WIDA Can Do Descriptors, Key Uses Edition provides examples of what language learners can do at various stages of English language development in Listening, Reading, Speaking and Writing.

Released January 2016

WIDA Video Contest Winner

Mindy Lewis-Hitch develops a grade-level, standards-based unit and provides her ninth graders with clear modeling and guided practice using game-type activities for Romeo and Juliet. Mindy also demonstrates working with colleagues to help raise awareness of scaffolding lessons so all learners can be engaged.

Released June 2015

WIDA Video Contest Winner

Andy Mizell plans engaging instruction that scaffolds learning for the wide range of English proficiency levels in his middle school ELL class. He begins by assessing his students and collaborating with other teachers to extend his academic language instruction across subject areas.

Released June 2015