WIDA

??: WIDA Professional Learning Specialist Patricia Blanco with former WIDA staffer Kristina Robertson at the 2024 Minnesota English Learner Education Conference. Patricia presented the session, "Let’s Play! Joyful Learning AND Languaging for Multilingual Children in PreK-3 Settings."

The WIDA Fellows Program provides an invaluable opportunity to bring expert educators and WIDA staff together in a collaborative effort to enhance the development of WIDA products and services. These inspiring educators dedicate their efforts to provide quality and equitable education for multilingual learners. Meet this week’s featured WIDA Fellows! 1.Erica Espinosa is committed to empowering families in both educational and community settings. 2. Sylvia Fagin strives to hold the strength, dignity and agency of students and families first and foremost in her professional practice. 3. Cheyen Herseth integrates language acquisition in all content areas and provides support for families. 4. Corinne Larsen advocates for an asset-based mindset and inclusivity. 5. Madison Leech creates a collaborative educational environment. 6. Janette Manzano Catahan fosters a deep appreciation for the power of language and culture in shaping one’s identity and learning experiences. Want to learn more about these awesome educators? Check out their bios: https://lnkd.in/dbN3irCa

Meet Fatima Rivera! Fatima is the WIDA Espa?ol Coordinator and has been at WIDA for 10 years. Read on to learn more about her! Q: What projects are you working on right now? A: Right now, I am working on a Focus Bulletin with members of the Marco DALE team. I’m also working on el Guia de implementacion del Marco DALE (or the Implementation Guide with the WIDA Marco DALE Advisory Council). And one thing I've been doing since I started working as a coordinator for the international program is Ask Fatima. Read the latest edition: https://lnkd.in/ePMQUpap Q: What about your work at WIDA excites you? A: One thing I find exciting about WIDA is the opportunity to engage in projects beyond my usual scope. As a coordinator of different programs, I have gained new skills by working on a variety of projects. This allows me to expand my horizons in meaningful and diverse ways. Q: What’s one thing you have in your office that you can’t live without? A: I can't live without sticky notes—whenever an idea pops up or I need to add something to my to-do list, I grab a sticky note and jot it down right away. Q: What’s one thing you want educators to know? A: I want educators to know how much they are appreciated. The dedication and passion they bring to teaching not only enhance their own professional journeys but also shape the future of their students. Q: What do you enjoy doing in your free time? A: I love discovering new experiences with my husband and our two daughters, whether we're trying different foods, exploring nature or traveling to new places. Q: Do you know languages other than English? A: Yes, I grew up speaking Spanish. Q: What kinds of media do you like to consume? A: I’m embracing my motherhood era and love listening to podcasts about motherhood that I can relate to and learn from. They offer a sense of connection and insight that resonates with my experiences. Q: What was your favorite subject in school? A: In high school, I loved biology and exploring the science of life and living organisms. Learning about how life functions and evolves was fascinating to me.

Today, I had a chance to present with Rebecca E. Sawyer at #ACTFL2024 about the WIDA #MarcoDALE, its connections to the ACTFL 5C's, and the role it can play in heritage and world language classrooms! We had a great turnout. Thanks to all the educators who attended our session!

We need your expertise and insight – don't miss your chance to become a proposal reviewer for #WIDA2025! ?? Proposal reviewers typically review 10-15 proposals and spend approximately 25 minutes per proposal. Learn more and sign up by January 13, 2025: https://go.wisc.edu/kx52g5?

“I am impressed with the care that is taken to address issues of bias and sensitivity on ACCESS tests. I am hopeful to bring that same mindfulness to my district as I work with classroom teachers and prepare them to work with ELs.” – ACCESS for ELLs Bias and Sensitivity Content Review participant.? Contribute to WIDA test development! Apply to participate in events by filling out the survey on our Building a WIDA Assessment page: https://lnkd.in/g9qCpAiT?

?? : WIDA Espa?ol researcher Grazzia M Mendoza Ch. M.Ed. delivered the keynote "Multilingualism to Empower and Build Agency" at the PRTESOL Conference in Fajardo, Puerto Rico last week! She talked about translanguaging and identities, as well as concrete examples for integrating translanguaging processes in the classroom.

WIDA Fellows cohorts are structured as self-directed, facilitated professional learning communities (PLCs) where members come together once a month to 1) read and discuss a common book; 2) share their experiences and expertise; and 3) co- lead and facilitate conversations about relevant educational topics. Each PLC is assisted by a WIDA staff member and a scholar in residence. The scholar brings to the group the research perspective to enhance conversations. Discover the dynamic minds behind the WIDA Fellows of the week! 1. Pushpanjali Sengupta creates collaborative and authentic learning opportunities for her students and their families. 2. Betsy Vander Heiden supports colleagues by delivering professional development and taking on leadership roles. 3. Beverlyn Villanueva empowers multilingual learners and fosters student engagement. 4. Tara Willging utilizes translanguaging to engage with families and collaborate with teachers. 5. Sheila Boardman uses her passion to provide multilingual learners with equal access to the core curriculum. 6. Antonella D’Eramo supports multilingual learners and their teachers through collaboration, professional development, and curriculum design. Want to learn more about these awesome educators? Check out their bios: https://lnkd.in/dbN3irCa??

Why choose play for learning for the multilingual children you serve? A growing body of research recommends that children in PreK-3 settings have more opportunities to engage in joyful learning to support their development and learning. This rings true for our young multilingual learners too! In this new article hear from PreK-3 educators on why they choose play, and some ways they incorporate joyful learning into their teaching practices: https://lnkd.in/eSjJt4Nu??

Assessment Tip! ?? Get ready for this year’s ACCESS testing by reading the latest edition of the ‘Everything you’ve ever wanted to know: ACCESS’ news article: https://lnkd.in/ezpvGHEQ