Understanding the Proficiency Level Descriptors in WIDA: A Comprehensive Guide
Introduction
As the world becomes increasingly globalized, the need for effective communication between people of different languages and cultural backgrounds has become essential. For teachers and educators, this means understanding how to measure the language proficiency of their students accurately. This is where WIDA (World-class Instructional Design and Assessment) comes in. WIDA has developed a set of Proficiency Level Descriptors (PLDs) to assess and monitor the English language development of students. In this guide, we will be looking at what these PLDs are and how they can help educators.
What are Proficiency Level Descriptors?
PLDs are a set of statements that describe what students at different levels of English language proficiency can do in listening, speaking, reading, and writing. WIDA has developed five levels: Level 1 (Entering), Level 2 (Emerging), Level 3 (Developing), Level 4 (Expanding), and Level 5 (Bridging). These levels are used to identify where a student is at in their language development and to develop instructional strategies tailored to their needs.
How are PLDs Used?
PLDs are used to assess and monitor the language proficiency of students who are English Language Learners (ELLs). Teachers use the PLDs to design language instruction that is appropriate for the student’s current language level. The PLDs also guide educators in selecting appropriate materials, evaluating student performance, and communicating with parents.
Examples of Proficiency Level Descriptors
Let’s take a look at some examples of the PLDs in different language domains:
Listening
Level 1 (Entering): Can respond non-verbally to familiar language.
Level 3 (Developing): Can understand simple, routine directions and instructions in familiar contexts.
Speaking
Level 2 (Emerging): Can use short, memorized phrases and respond to simple questions using learned phrases.
Level 4 (Expanding): Can explain and support opinions and construct well-formed utterances.
Reading
Level 3 (Developing): Can follow simple written directions and identify familiar words in context.
Level 5 (Bridging): Can analyze, synthesize, and evaluate information in complex texts.
Writing
Level 1 (Entering): Can communicate using pictures, symbols, and/or letter-like forms.
Level 4 (Expanding): Can write clear, well-developed paragraphs and compositions that show awareness of audience and purpose.
Conclusion
For educators, understanding the Proficiency Level Descriptors in WIDA is essential for creating effective language instruction for English Language Learners. By using these descriptors, teachers can design instruction that is appropriate for a student’s current language level and help them progress towards achieving greater language proficiency. The examples provided are just a few of the many ways in which educators can use the PLDs to develop students’ language skills. As the world becomes more diverse, it is critical that we continue to strive for effective communication between people of different languages and cultural backgrounds, and WIDA’s Proficiency Level Descriptors are one of the tools that can help us achieve this.
