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Standards > CAN DO Descriptors

WIDA's CAN DO Descriptors

In fall of 2008, WIDA released the following documents to provide grade level cluster-specific versions of our CAN DO Descriptors. The Descriptors are commonly used by ESL teachers in coaching general education teachers in the first steps of learning to differentiate instruction for English language learners.

With the guidance of WIDA's Lead Developer, Margo Gottlieb, these Descriptors were written and later approved by consortium teachers through a survey rating process. You may read an account of one teacher's participation in the initial phase of the project.

A 4-page description of the survey rating research, results, and suggestions for use of the CAN DO Descriptors are available in the Research Brief .

The documents below are exactly what is available in a laminated, spiral-bound booklet for purchase in our online store.

PreK-Kindergarten CAN DO Descriptors

Grades 1-2 CAN DO Descriptors

Grades 3-5 CAN DO Descriptors

Grades 6-8 CAN DO Descriptors

Grades 9-12 CAN DO Descriptors