ÌÇÐ͝Âþvlog

English Learners Video

How Teachers Can Prepare English Learners for the WIDA Test (VIDEO)

By Ileana Najarro & Lauren Santucci — June 11, 2024 3:04
A sample question from the WIDA test.
Email Copy URL

Experts recommend all ÌÇÐ͝Âþvlog familiarize themselves with the WIDA ACCESS test. The assessment is used in nearly 40 states to determine whether English learners can exit out of language services.

The need for more integration of language instruction in general classrooms is more prominent now as national average English-language proficiency scores continue to trend down following the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.

General education teachers can help English learners’ English-language development by proactively ensuring they have opportunities to practice writing, reading, listening, and speaking in English within academic contexts. They can also use WIDA ACCESS test data to determine what specific language supports students may need.

Educators can access free ACCESS sample questions and test practices .

See Also
ELL Girl Laptop 052024 176654360
Marilyn Nieves/Getty

Ileana Najarro is a reporter for Education Week covering race and opportunity in schools across the country.
Lauren Santucci was a video producer for Education Week.

Video

Reading & Literacy Video What Happens When Middle and High Schoolers Still Struggle to Read?
When it comes to reading, teachers and experts alike say that many older students still struggle with the basics.
1 min read
Students attend Bow Memorial School in Bow, N.H. on Oct. 29, 2025. Bow Memorial School is a middle school that has developed a systematic approach to addressing foundational reading gaps in middle school students.
Students attend Bow Memorial School in Bow, N.H. on Oct. 29, 2025. Bow Memorial School is a middle school that has developed a systematic approach to addressing foundational reading gaps in middle school students.
Sophie Park for Education Week
Special Education Video How This District Teaches Bilingual Students With Dyslexia
Students with dyslexia receive instruction in Spanish or English, depending on their dominant spoken language.
2:28
School & District Management Video The Enemy of Smart, Strategic Spending Decisions in K-12 Districts: Leadership Churn
The EdWeek Research Center surveyed district leaders on the barriers to long-term thinking.
Professional Development Video How One District Is Getting Secondary Teachers Up to Speed on Reading Support
A district invests in improving secondary teachers' knowledge to help students needing reading support.
1 min read
High school teachers learn how to teach reading to struggling older readers during an AIM training at Marietta High School in Marietta, Ga., on Nov. 10, 2025.
High school teachers learn how to teach reading to struggling older readers during an AIM training at Marietta High School in Marietta, Ga., on Nov. 10, 2025.
Jason Drakeford for Education Week