News
New WIDA Instructional Framework Coming in 2019
New WIDA Instructional Framework Coming in 2019
From WIDA's Press Release:
The five WIDA ELD Standards are not changing. However, the final 2019 instructional framework will gradually replace the 2007 and 2012 editions of the WIDA ELD Standards. Instead of strands of model performance indicators, users will find:
- Same five standards and Can Do Philosophy toward ELL education
- Increased emphasis on interaction and meaning-making within common classroom learning experiences for each subject area
- Codes for educators to easily note which sections of the instructional framework they are referencing in a lesson or unit (ELD.4-5.SS)
- Teacher and Student Actions that challenge ELLs and give them opportunities to become aware of their own language development
- Progressions that provide expectations for three proficiency level ranges, encompassing all six levels
Please click here for the complete press release.
New Massachusetts Legislation for ELs
New Massachusetts Legislation for ELs
On November 15, 2017, legislators approved the LOOK Bill (Language Opportunity for Our Kids), which addresses the achievement gap for ELs. According to MATSOL's press release, the LOOK Bill:
- Gives schools the right to choose the best research-based ELE Program for their students. Schools may choose from among SEI, two-way immersion, transitional bilingual, and other options. SEI is no longer mandatory. For DESE's guidance on implementing two-way immersion and transitional bilingual programs, please click here.
- The bill also empowers parents, requiring districts to inform families of their options and allowing them to request any available English learner program for their child.
- Any group of 20 or more parents can also request a new program (e.g. dual-language or bilingual transitional education). In addition, districts with more than 100 English learners (or over 5%) will now have an English learner parent advisory council.
- To ensure the all students make progress towards English language proficiency, the bill requires the Department of Elementary & Secondary Education to develop benchmarks for language acquisition and guidelines to help districts identify students who are falling behind, as well as a “success template” to assist them.
- Finally, the bill establishes a state “Seal of Biliteracy” for students who achieve proficiency in English and an additional language. Twenty-eight states and the District of Columbia already have such programs. The Seal of Biliteracy can be earned by students of all language backgrounds, as long as they master both English and a second world language. A successful pilot project is now in its third year in Massachusetts.
For more information about the LOOK Bill and English learners' academic needs in Massachusetts, please check out the LOOK Bill Fact Sheet, DESE's presentation, and a summary for parents.