How to Use WIDA Proficiency Level Descriptors to Assess Language Learners

Assessing language learners can be a challenging task, but with the help of WIDA proficiency level descriptors, educators can easily evaluate the language proficiency of their students. WIDA, or World-Class Instructional Design and Assessment, is an organization that offers a multifaceted approach to evaluating language learners’ proficiency levels. WIDA proficiency level descriptors play a key role in this method.

Understanding WIDA Proficiency Level Descriptors

WIDA has designed a comprehensive framework of English language development standards, which are grouped into five proficiency levels: Entering, Emerging, Developing, Expanding, and Bridging. Each level is associated with a set of descriptors that describe what a student can do with English language skills in a given context.

For example, the Entering level describes students who have very little or no familiarity with the English language. They may not be able to speak, write, read, or understand English at all. However, they can use their first language to communicate their basic needs.

The Emerging level, on the other hand, describes students who have developed some understanding of the English language but lack the ability to use it appropriately. They may be able to communicate basic information using simple sentences but struggle with more complex language structures.

The Developing level describes students who have a more substantial understanding of English but have not yet mastered the language. They can communicate with some sophistication, but their language skills may be incomplete or inconsistent.

The Expanding level is associated with students who can use English in complex academic, social, and professional contexts with ease. They exhibit mastery over the language and can express themselves with a high degree of clarity and coherence.

Finally, the Bridging level describes students who can integrate their English language skills into the mainstream classroom curriculum. They can use English as a tool for academic inquiry and can understand academic texts with ease.

Using WIDA Proficiency Level Descriptors

WIDA proficiency level descriptors are descriptive statements that help teachers understand the language development of their students. A student’s proficiency level can be determined based on their performance relative to the descriptors.

For example, a kindergarten teacher could assess a student’s English language proficiency by observing their ability to follow simple directions, such as “touch your nose” or “stand up.” The teacher could then compare the student’s performance to the WIDA proficiency level descriptors for the Entering level and determine if the student has achieved this level.

Similarly, middle school teachers could evaluate a student’s language proficiency by observing their ability to read and summarize articles or other texts. In this case, the teacher could compare the student’s performance to the WIDA proficiency level descriptors for the Developing or Expanding levels to determine if the student has reached one of these levels.

By using WIDA proficiency level descriptors, teachers can assess the language development of their students with greater accuracy and precision. This allows them to customize their teaching strategies and provide differentiated instruction that can meet the needs of individual learners.

Conclusion

In conclusion, WIDA proficiency level descriptors play a crucial role in assessing the language development of English language learners. By breaking down English language proficiency into five levels and using descriptive statements to evaluate student performance, teachers can better understand the needs of their students and tailor their instruction accordingly. Through this method, language learners can achieve greater success in their language development and become more confident and proficient in their use of the English language.