In 2011, Minnesota adopted the World-Class Instructional Design and Assessment (WIDA) standards for English Language Development. PEM uses the state WIDA assessments as one indicator for student placement, along with Minnesota Comprehensive Assessments (MCA) and district assessments.
Each spring, the WIDA assessments evaluate students’ ability to use academic English in reading, writing, listening, and speaking. The reading, writing, and listening portions of the test are administered in a classroom setting. The speaking portion is administered by a trained professional to individual students in an interview format. For kindergarteners, the entire assessment is given individually.
The various portions of the test are combined to form an overall proficiency score that will be used to assist with placement. The reading and writing portions are weighted at 35% each of the overall score, and listening and speaking are weighted at 15% each. The final rating can range from 1 to 6, with 1 representing an entering level. It is important to note that the overall score is not rounded. For example, while a student may score at a 3.9, their level would remain at a level 3.