Curriculum-Thinking around the 2020 WIDA Standards Framework
By Maggie Churchill and Hana Prashker
After nearly two years of looking and learning with NJTESOL/NJBE about the 2020 WIDA Standards Framework, a question still looms in our heads: How do we implement the Framework in our classrooms? One of the best resources we have is something teachers see every year at this time: ACCESS for ELLs 2.0. Teachers of multilingual learners (MLs) are already familiar with the format and expectations of the test. Even the content is already familiar to us- the big picture, Nina, the test booklets. At this time of year, teachers of MLs begin the task of preparation, which includes completing sample items with students to provide authentic practice prior to actual testing. It is those released test questions that we should use as models as we begin to consider our own curriculum-planning with the 2020 WIDA Standards Framework.
The released ACCESS Test Practice and Sample Items are available in both paper and digital formats from the WIDA website. These simulations are instructive in the curriculum-planning process known as “Understanding by Design”, also referred to as “Backwards Design”. For a comprehensive primer, try Bowen’s guide. By examining the anticipated outcomes first, we put student progress and growth at the center of our units, keeping intentional the demonstration of language expectations and communicative competence.
Step 1: Look at the released ACCESS items to identify the results. THINK: What do students have to do?
Step 2: What kind of evidence is needed? What’s required in the final task?
Step 3: How will students get there? What explicit instruction will you plan?
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