Differentiation

To create assignments and assessments that are built on English Learners’ strengths and allow them to showcase their content and language knowledge, we recommend using the following steps:

1. Examine your students’ language proficiency scores. In Kentucky, we use ACCESS scores.

2. Determine what skills your students will use: receptive or expressive. Receptive skills include listening, reading, viewing, and expressive skills include speaking, writing, representing.

3. Determine the language domain(s). The infographic below focuses on ‘writing’.

4. Use the WIDA Can Do Descriptors document to see what your students ‘can do’ based on their language proficiency scores.

5. Differentiate your assignments/assessments accordingly.