English Learners Video

How Teachers Can Prepare English Learners for the WIDA Test (VIDEO)

By Ileana Najarro & Lauren Santucci — June 11, 2024 3:04
A sample question from the WIDA test.

Experts recommend all educators familiarize themselves with the WIDA ACCESS test. The assessment is used in nearly 40 states to determine whether English learners can exit out of language services.

The need for more integration of language instruction in general classrooms is more prominent now as national average English-language proficiency scores continue to trend down following the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.

General education teachers can help English learners’ English-language development by proactively ensuring they have opportunities to practice writing, reading, listening, and speaking in English within academic contexts. They can also use WIDA ACCESS test data to determine what specific language supports students may need.

Educators can access free ACCESS sample questions and test practices online.

See Also
ELL Girl Laptop 052024 176654360
Marilyn Nieves/Getty

Ileana Najarro is a reporter for Education Week covering race and opportunity in schools across the country.
Lauren Santucci is a video producer for Education Week.

Video

Student Well-Being Video How Urban Schools Bring Lessons to Life Through Gardening
School gardens can connect classroom lessons with the wider world while offering lifelong learnings for students.
3:55
Student Well-Being Video What’s Behind the Political Criticisms of Social-Emotional Learning?
The Trump administration says SEL is being used to veil discrimination. What does that mean for schools?
Students from Suelllen Vesperman’s first grade class dance to the Macarena as they participate in an exercise through the InPACT program at North Elementary School in Birch Run, Mich., on March 2, 2023.
Students from Suelllen Vesperman’s first grade class dance to the Macarena as they participate in an exercise through the InPACT program at North Elementary School in Birch Run, Mich., on March 2, 2023.
Emily Elconin for Education Week
Student Well-Being Video The First Rule of SEL for Older Students? Don’t Be Boring
Middle and high schoolers are a much tougher audience for social-emotional-learning lessons.
2 min read
A high school student introduces herself to her classmates and guests in an AP research class.
A high school student introduces herself to her classmates and guests in an AP research class.
Allison Shelley for All4Ed
Student Well-Being Video The Skills Employers Want Most in the AI Age All Have Something in Common
Explaining how SEL can help students prepare for the working world may help more families get behind it, educators say.
2 min read
Students at Skyline High School work together during an after-school tutoring club.
Students at Skyline High School work together during an after-school tutoring club.
Allison Shelley for All4Ed