Resources/Recursos

Implementing the WIDA ELD Standards Framework takes time and looks different across different contexts. While some educators are working with different grade-level content curricula, English language specialists may be working with language curricula focusing on a range of proficiency levels. When instructing multilingual learners, it is especially important that curricula strike a balance between content and language. Although it is tempting to start at the lesson level to begin implementation since it feels more manageable to start small, starting at the curricular level is more effective at building a yearlong, cohesive learning experience that builds on current knowledge and experiences and more intentionally towards new understandings and skills. This Focus Bulletin supports educators to take a genre-based approach to making decisions throughout all units of curricula that can both begin and deepen the alignment of the current academic curricula being used to the WIDA ELD Standards Framework.

Released May 2025

Rubrics are analytic scales that describe various aspects of spoken and written language to help educators recognize what speaking and writing sound and look like at various levels of English language proficiency. Use the WIDA MODEL Speaking Rubric to understand the scores students earn on the assessment, analyze student performance in the classroom, and plan ways to scaffold language learning. WIDA MODEL test administrators use the WIDA MODEL Speaking Rubric to score the Speaking domain test for WIDA MODEL Online and WIDA MODEL Paper.

Released April 2025

Rubrics are analytic scales that describe various aspects of spoken and written language to help educators recognize what speaking and writing sound and look like at various levels of English language proficiency. Use the WIDA MODEL Writing Rubric to understand the scores students earn on the assessment, analyze student performance in the classroom, and plan ways to scaffold language learning. WIDA MODEL test administrators use the WIDA MODEL Writing Rubric to assign a Writing Final score for WIDA MODEL Paper and WIDA MODEL Online.

Released February 2025

Los descriptores del desempeño lingüístico in Marco DALE provide guidance on how bi/multilingual students can develop language that they can interpret, interact and express in each of the communication modes (interpretative, interactive and expressive).

Released February 2025

This WIDA Snapshot introduces classroom action research – when researchers and educators work together to address classroom challenges – by encouraging teachers to use their researcher voices to make meaningful contributions to the field, whether through collaborative or independent approaches.

Released February 2025

This WIDA Screener for Kindergarten eSummit session recording provides an in depth look at the test.

Released October 2024

This reading-focused conferencing tool helps plan a one-on-one conversation with a student about how they understand a text. Use this tool alongside one or two teacher-selected text excerpts.

Released August 2024

A home and community literacy mapping activity supports students to see the literacy in their daily lives and enables the teacher to learn about their students’ literacy assets. Use this resource to plan a literacy mapping activity with your students.

Released August 2024

This Focus Bulletin centers on P.H. Miller School/Plano Early Learning to show how educators, families and community members collaborate to promote equitable transitions for multilingual children in grades PreK-3. It provides reflections and advice from educators.

Released July 2024

Este resumen informativo de WIDA presenta la Investigación-acción — un concepto que resalta el trabajo mutuo entre investigadores y educadores para abordar los desafíos en el salón de clases — lo que alienta a los maestros a utilizar sus voces para hacer contribuciones significativas al campo, ya sea a través de esfuerzos colaborativos o independientes.

Released May 2024

This webinar offers guidance on using the implementation guide for the WIDA English Language Development Standards Framework, 2020 Edition.

Released January 2024

WIDA conducted a research study that linked WIDA MODEL Online scale scores to the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR). This video discusses the research study, the findings, and the Understanding WIDA MODEL Online Scale Scores in Terms of CEFR Levels tool.

Released January 2024

Many literacy programs were not designed to effectively use multilingual students’ knowledge, skills, and strengths. This Snapshot is the second 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 first 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 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

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

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