News

And the winner is...

We are excited to present the four winning entries of the 2011-2012 WIDA Video Contest! Kara Lawson took first place for her video, Increasing the Use of Academic Language During Guided Math Groups. You can watch Kara's video and the other winning entries on the Video Contest page, as well as read a brief explanation of why the WIDA video contest award committee selected them. Contestants had to create a 5 to 10-minute video submission that included two components: (1) classroom events promoting effective teaching, learning, and/or assessment of content and language for language learners, and (2) reflections on those classroom events. A big thank you to all who submitted videos to this year's contest!

2012 ACCESS for ELLs Interpretive Guide for Score Reports

The 2012 ACCESS for ELLs Interpretive Guide for Score Reports is now available. Download it from the ACCESS for ELLs page in the right hand column under "Downloads & Products."

This publication is refreshed annually to support educators' interpretation of ACCESS for ELLs score reports. Part 1 of the Interpretive Guide describes the types of scores generated by ACCESS for ELLs assessment and provides cut score tables for each grade level. Part 2 describes each score report and offers information on how to use the data in each reports.

Now accepting registrations for WIDA's Fall Academy

Registration is now available for both professional development academies being offered this year. The Summer Academy entitled "Dynamic Formative Language Assessment for ELLs" will be held June 26-28 in Madison, WI. We will be in Baltimore, MD October 3-5, to present "Two are Better Than One: Collaborating to Support ELLs Within the WIDA Framework." Both academies cost $400 per person and attendees are responsible for travel expenses. Please register now before these opportunities fill up! To learn more, please visit the PD Academies page.

Register now for the WIDA ELD Standards, 2012 Edition Debut Events!
Registration is now open for our four debut events scheduled for August-November in Madison, WI, Denver, CO, Charlotte, NC, and Boston, MA. The cost is $125 per person for 2 days and payments can be submitted online using credit card. Group rates at hotels will be posted very soon. Reserve your place at these landmark events now!

Draft Spanish Language Development (SLD) Standards Surveys

WIDA is conducting a series of surveys on the academic Spanish Language Development (SLD) standards being developed under the SALSA grant. The general purpose of the surveys is to determine if each strand of model performance indicators (continuos del Desarrollo Lingüístico) contain appropriate representations of the language skills necessary for specific content areas within a specific grade level.

We invite all educators who are familiar with students receiving content instruction in Spanish to participate in the online surveys to provide feedback on the drafts of the Spanish Continuos del Desarrollo Lingüístico. The surveys will be available until May 2, 2012. Visit the SALSA page to get started.

Alternate ACCESS for ELLs feedback survey

Alternate ACCESS for ELLs testing has begun in several WIDA member states. If you have administered the test to one or more students, please take our feedback survey so that we can include your ideas in our continual improvement of the assessment for future years.

Standards Debut events coming to a city near you!

Starting in August 2012, WIDA will be holding four unprecedented events to introduce educators to the 2012 Edition of its English Language Development Standards. Featuring nationally-recognized keynote speakers, several WIDA presenters, and a panel of local experts from each region, these events will be a transformative opportunity for educators of English language learners. Visit the Debut Events page to download the draft agenda, view dates, locations, the cost, and sponsorship opportunities. More details will be added in the coming weeks. Please check back regularly for updates.

Video contest deadline extended until April 15!

Send us a video of your classroom for a chance to win prizes! Learn more

Summer Academy Registration Now Open!

WIDA's Summer Academy entitled "Dynamic Formative Language Assessment for ELLs" will be held June 26-28, 2012 in Madison, WI. This academy will guide teachers in the process of using the WIDA English Language Development (ELD) Standards to develop and integrate formative language assessments into standards-based content curriculum. Participants will create language targets designed to measure academic language growth and identify appropriate language tools and supports for varying ELL proficiency levels. To learn more or to register, please visit the Summer Academy page.

Common Core and More (CoCoMo) Institute

WIDA and the Illinois Resource Center are teaming up to present a week-long institute in Santa Fe, NM this June to guide teams of teachers and administrators to design a standards-referenced curriculum plan. Participants may choose to focus exclusively on ELD standards and content standards, or may also integrate Spanish Language Development Standards (for bilingual/dual language programs). Learn more about the Common Core and More Institute

Alternate ACCESS for ELLs Test Administration Manual and Quiz

The Alternate ACCESS for ELLs Test Administration Manual and certification quiz for test administrators are now available. In 2012, recommended training for test administrators will consist of three steps:

1. Review a tutorial and/or recorded webinar.
2. Read the Test Administration Manual.
3. Complete the certification quiz with a passing score of 80% or higher.

Please note that some states or districts may have additional requirements of their test administrators, or offer local training on the topic.

For more information about this new assessment, please visit the Alternate ACCESS for ELLs page.

Spanish Academic Language Surveys

Now through February 17, 2012, WIDA is conducting surveys as part of a research study called "Exploratory study of expressive language domains in academic Spanish." As part of this research, we invite all educators who are familiar with students receiving content instruction in Spanish to participate in an online survey to provide feedback on speaking and writing prompts related to the areas of language arts and mathematics. To learn more or start the survey, please visit the SALSA page.

Recruiting Teachers for ACCESS for ELLs Field Tryouts

WIDA and CAL are currently accepting applications for participation in field tryouts of ACCESS for ELLs speaking and writing items. Field tryouts are an important step in preparing items for use on ACCESS for ELLs tests. During the Field Tryouts, teachers administer test items to their students, and then give feedback to test developers via an online survey. The speaking items are slated to appear on Series 301 (2012-2013), while the writing items are expected to appear on Series 302 (2013-2014).

• Eligibility: Any licensed teacher who is currently teaching
• Task: Administering field test items to students and recording feedback and observations per instructions received from CAL
• Testing Window: March 5 to March 16, 2012
• Remuneration: $75 to $200 depending on the number of items tested. If you are unable to accept payment, a donation in the form of a gift card will be made to your school, redeemable for books or school supplies.
• Application deadline: January 27, 2012

Apply Online

Professional Certification for Trainers Website

The new Professional Certification for Trainers website was launched today! If you facilitate local trainings on WIDA standards and assessment, you could attend our Jul. 30-Aug. 3 institute and become a certified trainer. You may also browse the workshops offered and find trainers in your area to provide professional development to your school or district.

Alternate ACCESS for ELLs

Two new resources, an administration training tutorial and Alternate ACCESS for ELLs sample items document, have been added to the Alternate ACCESS for ELLs page!

Visit the WIDA Blog site!

Have you visited WIDA's new blog site? Great questions have been rolling in about Tammy King's 2-part exploration of transforming strands of MPIs. Tammy, our primary blogger, is a professional development facilitator who has worked as a district ESL/bilingual program director, an ESL resource teacher, and a 4th/5th grade bilingual teacher. Check it out (and bookmark the site!)

NEW WIDA MODEL Tote Bag Available in Online Store

WIDA is now selling tote bags specially designed for the WIDA MODEL Kindergarten assessment. It has enough space for the activity board, card pouch, student booklets, pencils, and even a water bottle or hand sanitizer. Of course, it could serve any number of additional purposes, all while declaring one's enthusiasm for WIDA's CAN DO approach to educating English language learners! All double kits sold will now contain a tote bag as well. Check it out in the online store.

New Speaking Test Sound Files Available

This year, WIDA is pleased to bring ACCESS for ELLs Speaking Test administrators (TAs) a new training resource. New sound files (66 of them!) have been added to our online course, including students at all levels of language proficiency from grades 1-12. This new section of the online training course is intended to provide additional support and practice to Speaking TAs, particularly for veteran TAs who have already completed the training course but need a refresher of what to expect from students on the Speaking Test. It is recommended that TAs listen to sound files each year as close to the time they will administer the test as possible, but not more than two weeks in advance of the start of testing.

Last week of ELD Standards, 2012 Edition Open Comment Period

Friday is the last day to share your feedback on the draft ELD Standards, 2012 Edition! Middle school teachers, we are especially in need of your help with completing the surveys for Grades 7-8. Review the draft standards matrices

Tech Report Release
The ACCESS for ELLs^® Annual Technical Report No. 6, Series 201, 2009-2010 Administration is now available. These documents address the validity and reliability of the ACCESS test to accurately assign students their proficiency level scores.

2011-12 ACCESS for ELLs Test Administration Manuals and Training Toolkit

The Kindergarten and Grades 1-12 Test Administration Manuals have now been posted inside the secure ACCESS for ELLs training course. Please login to download and view the files. Additionally, the Training Toolkit has been updated for this year's test administration. WIDA encourages local professional development trainers to use these materials, including PowerPoint presentations, to assist in preparing for the 2011-12 testing season.

The Application Deadline for the 2012 Standards-based Test Item Writing Course has been extended!
The deadline for the 2012 Standards-based Test Item Writing Course has been extended to November 4, 2011. Please review the information page and consider applying! Participants are encouraged to enroll as ESL/General Education teacher pairs.

ACCESS for ELLs Test Administrator Training Course Updates
The Speaking Module has been updated with information on the new T2 Start procedure for the Speaking Test for students taking Tiers B and C of the group administered components (Listening, Reading, and Writing). Test Administrators giving the Speaking Test must complete this updated module before administering the ACCESS for ELLs test for the 2011-2012 school year. The updated module also includes a new T2 Start video tutorial. Login with your personal training account to review the updates!

The open comment period for the ELD Standards, 2012 Edition Draft Release extended
Your opinion is important to us! Please review the drafts and submit your comments and suggestions by November 11. Following the incorporation of your feedback, we anticipate the final version of the 2012 Edition will be released in the spring. Thank you in advance for taking the time to support this exciting initiative!

New Tier Placement Tutorial Available Now!
A new tutorial on Tier Placement has been posted. Feel free to use this resource along with the Tier Placement Protocol to help determine the appropriate tier placement for each student.

Watch the tutorial

Placing each student into the tier that most appropriately targets his/her range of language skill is important to ensure the best possible testing experience for each student and the most meaningful results.

WIDA is now hiring a Professional Development Specialist
Visit the University job site to review the complete list of requirements and principal duties. Interested applicants should submit a detailed resume and a cover letter describing how their experience and qualifications align with the position duties and responsibilities to: PVL71703@workspace.wcer.wisc.edu.

Video Contest for Educators of ELLs
WIDA recognizes that there is a wealth of expertise within our Consortium, and we believe it's important to honor those educators whose model classroom practices develop students' academic language and advance ELL achievement. Further, we believe that sharing these model practices with the rest of the Consortium will benefit educators and students alike. With these goals in mind, we are excited to introduce a video contest for educators of English language learners (ELLs). Details are available on the Get Involved page.

All Consortium members who successfully complete the submission process will receive a free copy of the 2012 elementary or secondary English Language Development Standards booklet. The first-place award winner will receive a $1,000 cash prize and a scholarship for the awardee and a colleague to attend a 2012 WIDA Professional Development academy. The second-place award winner will receive a $500 cash prize and a scholarship for the awardee and a colleague to attend a 2012 WIDA Professional Development academy. The third-place award winner will receive a $250 cash prize and a scholarship for the awardee and a colleague to attend a 2012 WIDA Professional Development academy.

If you have any questions about the contest, please e-mail WIDA Media Specialist Connie North (cenorth@wisc.edu).

2012 Teacher Collaboration and Standards-Based Test Item Writing Course
Starting October 1, WIDA will be accepting online applications for the 2012 Item Writing course. Please review the information page and consider applying! A wait list will be available if necessary. Participants are encouraged to enroll as ESL/General Education teacher pairs.

WIDA to Build Next-Generation Comprehensive Assessment System
We are pleased to announce that the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction, on behalf of WIDA, has been awarded an Enhanced Assessment Grant for nearly $10.5 million over 4 years to build a comprehensive and balanced technology-based assessment system for English language learners.

The assessment system will be anchored in WIDA's English Language Proficiency Standards that are aligned with the Common Core State Standards, will be informed by rigorous ongoing research, and supported by comprehensive professional development and outreach. WIDA will maintain its consortium approach to decision-making about the design and direction of the project and will involve the expertise of partners such as the Center for Applied Linguistics, UCLA, WestEd, Data Recognition Corporation, and MetriTech, Inc. The system will include a summative test, an on-demand diagnostic (screener) test, classroom benchmark assessments, and formative assessment resources.

To learn more, read the award letter and project abstract .

The English Language Development Standards, 2012 Edition Draft Release
The English Language Development Standards, 2012 Edition, is now available in DRAFT form for your review! For several years we have listened to educators from our Consortium, our organizational partners, and experts in the field. The development process began with the goal of improving how we illustrate academic language within our standards framework, especially considering the wide impact of the Common Core State Standards on curriculum and instruction. We have presented our ideas, plans, and templates at focus groups, workshops, and professional learning institutes. We have shared our vision with our member states, Executive Board, and Standards National Advisory Panel. We have involved hundreds of teachers, consultants, administrators, university faculty, and test developers. Thanks to the input and support of many, the vision of reframing how we represent our language standards has become a reality. But we need your feedback to finalize the draft!

On the ELP Standards page, you will find a a set of FAQs, a glossary, a 10-minute overview tutorial explaining the rationale behind our work and introducing you to the new elements of the standards matrices, and the drafts themselves. Note that we have not changed our five standards since originally published in 2004; however, we have extended their representation to address other school subjects and break down the linguistic elements represented in our Performance Definitions.

Your opinion is important to us! Please review the drafts and submit your comments and suggestions by mid October. Following the incorporation of your feedback, we anticipate the final version of the 2012 Edition will be released in the spring. Thank you in advance for taking the time to support this exciting initiative!

Finally, if you are interested in professional development to support local implementation of the 2012 Edition, please take 3-4 minutes to respond to our ELD Standards Professional Development Interest survey. This will help us tailor our offerings to meet your needs.

Order WIDA MODEL for Grades 6-8 and 9-12 today!

The WIDA MODEL assessment suite is now complete! The grades 6-8 and 9-12 kits are now available. Place your order today using our online store. To learn more about the assessment, please visit the WIDA MODEL page, which will soon be updated with more information.

Get familiar with our new website! Watch the tutorial.

Welcome to our new website! If you would like a brief orientation to the features and navigation of this site, you may click the button below to watch a tutorial (make sure your sound is turned on!).

Watch the tutorial

WIDA Launches New Website for Beta Testing
This June and July, WIDA is offering a sneak preview of this new website and hopes to collect your feedback and ideas. We wanted to give you this unique opportunity to be among the first to see the site.

Here are some new features you may want to check out:

• The Download Library: a one-stop shop for all the documents and resources presented on this site
• The WIDA Story, presenting our past events and accomplishments through words, visuals, and numbers
• Information about the forthcoming editions of the WIDA ELD and SLD Standards
• The all-new Professional Development section
• Updated Research content
• ...and much more!

If you have 3-5 minutes to spare, please click on the survey link below to share your reactions to the changes.

Take the Feedback Survey

WIDA welcomes our 26th and 27th member states, Maryland and Montana!
We look forward to assisting educators in these two states and further extending our mission of promoting educational equity for English language learners!

Registration now open for WIDA Fall Academy
Registration for WIDA's Fall Professional Development Academy to be held October 5-7 in Atlanta, GA is now open. For more information or to register, please visit the Fall Academy page. Be sure to read about the opportunity to apply for a scholarship to attend!

2010-11 Translated ACCESS for ELLs Parent/Guardian Reports
WIDA and MetriTech, Inc. are excited to introduce a FREE new tool granting district and school administrators the ability to generate translated Parent/Guardian reports in many native languages. This tool will be hosted on MetriTech's secure web page and will become available to your district and school once MetriTech has shipped the score reports. Please check on your state's page for the estimated shipping dates of your district's score reports.

For more information please download the Parent/Guardian Report translations flyer .

Please contact MetriTech Customer Service at 800-747-4868 or email wida@metritech.com with your district information to request access to the secure web page.

WIDA ELP Standards to Common Core State Standards Alignment Study Report
The WIDA ELP Standards to Common Core State Standards Alignment Study Report is now available; please contact Meredith Alt to request a copy.

Key findings of the report include that the WIDA ELP Standards strongly link to the Common Core State Standards across the majority of grade-level clusters. In many cases, the WIDA ELP Standards were found to go beyond what is currently required in federal guidance by not only matching, but also broadly covering and meeting the cognitive demands of the Common Core State Standards.

Read the press release to learn more about the study which was conducted by the University of Oklahoma Department of Educational Training, Evaluation, Assessment, and Measurement (E-TEAM) in November 2010.

Tech Report Release
The ACCESS for ELLs^® Annual Technical Report No. 5, Series 200, 2008-2009 Administration is now available. These documents address the validity and reliability of the ACCESS test to accurately assign students their proficiency level scores.

WIDA welcomes our 25th member state, Alaska!
We look forward to assisting Alaska's educators and further extending our mission of promoting educational equity for English language learners! Please see Mary Ann Zehr's Education Week blog to read about WIDA's continued growth. Alaska will begin testing with ACCESS for ELLs in 2011-12.

PRIME Update
For educators looking to select instructional materials for ELLs, the WIDA PRIME program can provide you with information about how the materials correlate to the WIDA ELP Standards. The PRIME Inventory is a methodology for examining materials resulting in a correlation document that publishers are beginning to use. See the first published correlations documents to learn more.

WIDA will also be hosting a WIDA ELP Standards and PRIME Correlations training on March 29-30, 2011 in Madison, WI. This training could be of interest to publishers seeking to correlate their materials to the WIDA ELP Standards, or to state or district personnel who wish to gain a deeper understanding of how to evaluate whether or not curricular materials address the academic language development continuum outlined in WIDA's standards.