Contact Information
English Learners (ELs) are those students in Wyoming schools whose primary language is other than English. English Learners enter Wyoming schools with a variety of language backgrounds, educational experiences and levels of English proficiency. Wyoming State educational agencies, local education agencies and schools are held accountable for increasing English proficiency and core academic content knowledge of English learners.
Title III of the federal accountability law is part of the legislation enacted to ensure that English learners, including immigrant children and youth, develop English proficiency and meet the same academic content and academic achievement standards that other children are expected to meet. To meet Title III requirements, states are mandated to identify and annually administer a standards-based English language proficiency test to all English Learners (ELs) in grades K – 12. In order to comply with the federal requirement of an annual English Language Proficiency Assessment for ELs, Wyoming joined the WIDA consortium in 2009. The WIDA consortium’s goal is to provide research based assessments, standards, and professional development to its member states.
WIDA provides Wyoming with a Screener Assessment as an identification for new students. Wyoming uses the KW-APT and the Model for Kindergarten and the WIDA Screener for 1-12th grade. The screener scores will support decisions on whether a student may be an Active EL and would benefit from English language support services. The ACCESS or ALT ACCESS is used as a summative assessment typically used during the end of a period of instruction, usually around January and February of each year. ACCESS scores evaluate student learning towards a certain standard or goal; in this case, by describing student performance. The ACCESS is a valid and reliable ELP assessments that test all four language domains to ensure that ELs have achieved English proficiency.
The proficiency score on the ELP assessment that is administered every spring must be set at a level that enables students to effectively participate in grade-level content instruction in English without EL services. Effective immediately, an EL student must meet the following criteria to be considered proficient in the English language:
ACCESS FOR ELLs
• An overall Composite Performance Level (CPL) score of at least
4.6 AND (new criterion in 16-17).
• A Literacy Performance Level (LPL) of at least a 4.3 (new
additional criterion in 18-19).
- https://edu.wyoming.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Change-to-the-EL-Exit-criteria-2.pdf
- https://edu.wyoming.gov/downloads/communications/memos/2019/2019-064.pdf
ALT ACCESS FOR ELLs
Effective in the 2019-20 SY, the WDE established an exit criteria for the ALT ACCESS. Students who receive a composite performance level score
of P1 or higher (P2) will be deemed English proficient.
- Important Notice on Changes Related to ELs – April 26, 2017 (PDF)
- Q&A Session – Changes Concerning ELs (VIDEO)
- 2020-2021 Active EL Identification and Reporting Guidebook (PDF)
- ACCESS and ALT ACCESS Irregularity Report Form
- 2019-2020 ACCESS and ALT ACCESS Student Not Tested Form
- Fillable IEL Plan (IELP)
- FAQ for ELLs (DOCX)
- EL Program Type Definitions (PDF)
- EL Plan Basics Checklist (PDF)
- Sample Monitor Form (Elementary) (DOCX)
- Sample Monitor Form (Secondary) (DOCX)
- ACCESS For ELLs Schedule Template (PDF)
- Flowchart for WIDA Screener 1st-12th grade (PDF)
- Flowchart for KW-APT Screener 1st Semester (PDF)
- Flowchart for KW-APT Screener 2nd Semester (PDF)
EL Public Data/Public Reports
- District and State EL Totals
- Public Report on Student Proficiency Data
Languages in Wyoming
For Parents of English Learners (EL)-Qualification Status and Parent Resources
The WDE works to ensure that students learning English, called English Learners, have equal rights and access to a high-quality education.
- Parent(s) complete the student’s Home Language Survey (HLS) listing a language other than English; and,
- Based on language tests, the student shows a need for English Learner services and instruction to gain skills in listening, speaking, reading, and writing academic English, the language needed for success in school.
A Home Language Survey (HLS) is completed for all students who enroll in a district. The HLS is the first step in determining whether a student is eligible for English Learner programs and services. The Home Language Survey requirements have been updated for the 2019-20 school year, which state that it is unnecessary to ask parents to complete a HLS each year when a student is in the same district, as it can lead to a student being misidentified for English Learner (EL) services.
SUPS Memo: https://edu.wyoming.gov/downloads/communications/memos/2019/2019-068.pdf
WIDA Screener is an English language proficiency assessment given to new students in Grades 1-12 to help educators identify whether they are English language learners (ELLs). It is flexible, on-demand assessments that can be administered at any time during the school year. WIDA Screener is available in two formats-online and paper.
Key Features of WIDA Screener
- Includes separate forms for each grade-level cluster: 1, 2-3, 4-5, 6-8, 9-12
- Aligns with the WIDA English Language Development Standards
- Assesses each of the four language domains of Listening, Speaking, Reading and Writing
- Reports proficiency level scores for each language domain and for three composite scores: Oral Language, Literacy and Overall Score
If a student is identified as an ELL, proficiency level scores from WIDA Screener can be used by educators to compare across ELLs and to plan differentiated levels of support for each child.
When a student is first identified as an Active English Learner, parents must be notified in a letter of English Learner services available to the student. It’s also important to state that the letter/communication to parents must be in a language families understand. Districts that receive Title III funding from the federal government are required to notify parents every year that their child receives English Learner services. All parents have the option of declining English Learner services.
WDE and WIDA (World-Class Instructional Design and Assessment) Materials and Proficiency Criteria
- 2007 WIDA English Language Proficiency Standards – Grade Level Clusters PreK-5 (PDF)
- 2007 WIDA English Language Proficiency Standards – Grade Level Clusters 6-12 (PDF)
- 2012 Amplification of WIDA’s English Language Development Standards – Grades K-12 (PDF)
- 2014 WIDA English Language Development Standards – 2.5-5.5 Years (PDF)
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- WIDA Focus on Language & Culture (PDF)
- WIDA Focus on Formative Assessment (PDF)
- WIDA Focus on Growth (PDF)
- WIDA Focus on Differentiation(part 1) (PDF)
- WIDA Focus on Differentiation(part 2) (PDF)
- Can Do Philosophy (PDF)
- Academic Language Actions Chart (PDF-from Module 1; Activity 2)
- Features of Academic Language (PDF-from Module 1; Activity 2)
- Group Work for Content Learning/Collaboration (PDF-from Module 1; Activity 3)
Quarterly Webinar Archives
EL and Title 111 Quarterly Webinars for the 2019-2020 SY
EL and Title 111 Quarterly Webinars for the 2018-2019 SY
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- Supporting Our English Learners-September 27, 2018
- Meeting the Needs of English Learners-February 27, 2019
- Success for English Learners-June 13, 2019
EL and Title 111 Quarterly Webinars for the 2017-2018 SY
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- Creating an English Learner Guidebook PowerPoint – March 6, 2018
- Questions and Answers – March 6, 2018
- Creating an IEL Plan For Your Student – May 23, 2018
- Creating an English Learner Guidebook PowerPoint – March 6, 2018
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- Language Development Among Young Dual Language and English Learners
February 20, 2018 12:00 p.m.-2 p.m. - Providing Supports for ELs Webinar
- September 24, 2018 3:45 p.m.-5:00 p.m.
- Language Development Among Young Dual Language and English Learners
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WIDA Webinars
WIDA Workshops/Training Provided by WDE
WDE offers professional development and support opportunities for educators to learn about teaching students who are English Learners.
- WIDA Screener –Online: Tuesday, August 4, 12:00pm-1:00pm View Webinar Recording
- WIDA Screener Paper: Tuesday, August 11, 12:00pm-1:00pm View Webinar Recording
- Three self-paced eWorkshops for Educators available until August 31, 2020. These eWorkshops cover a range of topics, including:
- Classroom Educators: Engaging Newcomer Multilingual Learners
- Foundational Concepts
- WIDA Writing Rubric
- Welcome Back: What’s New This Year? Webinar: Tuesday, September 15, 12:00pm-1:00pm
- School Leaders: Ensuring Equity for Multilingual Learners: Webinar 1: 9/16, Webinar 2: 9/23 & Webinar 3: 9/30 Time: 3:00-4:30 pm
- WIDA MODEL Overview: Thursday, September 17, 12:00pm-1:00pm
- Pre-Testing: ACCESS for ELLs for New Test Administrators: Tuesday, September 22, 12:00pm-1:00pm
- Pre-Testing: ACCESS for ELLs for New District Test Coordinators Webinar: Thursday, September 24, 12:00pm-1:00pm
- Reading Supports for Multilingual Learners (6 modules/15 weeks long) October 5, 2020-January 29, 2021 Online Meeting: 1/6 from 3:00-4:0pm
- Pre-Testing: Software Updates & Technology Readiness Checklist Webinar: Tuesday, October 6, 12:00pm-1:00pm
- Pre-Testing: Technology Installations Webinar (1.5 hours): Thursday, October 8, 12:00pm-1:30pm
- October 12-30, 2020 Virtual Learning Event-Canvas Course WIDA eSummit. Each week will have a theme with a multitude of webinars relating to the weekly topic. Educators will be able to access the live virtual sessions through the eLearning Center in the WIDA Secure Portal.
- Week 1: The focus will be on the 2020 Standards, with a session that introduces the WIDA ELD Standards, 2020 Edition — as well as sessions about Proficiency Level Descriptors and updated Key Language Uses.
- Week 2: The theme will be Teaching Multilingual Learners and will include a panel discussion with the WIDA Fellows exploring responses to COVID-19, as well as sessions focused on the intentional planning and implementation of instructional practices that support language development and content learning.
- Week 3: The feature will be WIDA Assessments and include webinars about the WIDA Assessment system, WIDA Screener for Kindergarten and WIDA MODEL.
- Pre-Testing: Ordering Materials in WIDA AMS Webinar: Tuesday, October 13, 12:00pm-1:00pm
- Mathematical Meaning-Making: Ensuring Equity Start Date: 10/19 Webinar 1: 11/3 & Webinar 2: 11/17 Time: 2:00-3:30pm
- Pre-Testing: Test Scheduling Webinar: Thursday, October 22, 12:00pm-1:00pm
- Home Languages in the Classroom (ICMEE) Start Date: 11/9 & End Date: 3/5 Online Meeting: 2/10 from 2:00-3:00 pm
- Pre-Testing: Technology Coordinator Support for Test Administrators Webinar: Tuesday, November 10, 12:00pm-1:00pm
- ACCESS for ELLs Overview Webinar: November 11, 2020 Time: 4:00-5:30pm
- During Testing: Managing Students in WIDA AMS (Online) Webinar: Thursday, November 12, 12:00pm-1:00pm
- Kindergarten ACCESS for ELLs Overview Webinar: November 17, 2020 Time: 4:00-5:00pm
- Kindergarten ACCESS for ELLs for New Test Administrators Webinar: Tuesday, November 17, 12:00pm-1:00pm
- Alternate ACCESS for ELLs Overview Webinar: November 20, 2020 Time: 9:00-10:00 am
- Scaffolding Learning through Language: Webinar 1: 12/1, Webinar 2: 12/8 & Webinar 3: 12/15 Time: 2:00-3:30pm
- Alternate ACCESS for ELLs Test for New Test Administrators Webinar: Tuesday, December 1, 12:00pm-1:00pm
- Language Specialists: Engaging Multilingual Newcomers: Webinar 1: 12/4, Webinar 2: 12/11 & Webinar 3: 12/18 Time: 2:00-3:30pm
- During Testing: Managing Test Sessions Webinar (Online): Tuesday, December 8, 12:00pm-1:00pm
- During Testing: Managing Students in WIDA AMS (Paper) Webinar: Tuesday, December 15, 12:00pm-1:00pm
- During Testing: Managing Test Materials (Paper) Webinar: Tuesday, January 5, 12:00pm-1:00pm
- During Testing: Technology Troubleshooting Webinar: Thursday, January 7, 12:00pm-1:00pm
- Post-Testing: Returning Materials (Paper) Webinar: Thursday, January 28, 12:00pm-1:00pm
- During Testing: Monitoring Completion for Test Coordinators (Online) Webinar: Tuesday, February 2, 12:00pm-1:00pm
- Post-Testing: Data Validation Webinar: Tuesday, March 9, 12:00pm-1:00pm
- Post-Testing: Interpreting Score Reports Webinar: Tuesday, March 16, 12:00pm-1:00pm
- Educators in Wyoming are able to participate in a Self-Paced eWorkshop package and have the opportunity to participate in the following eight on-demand eWorkshops from September 1, 2020-August 31, 2020:
- WIDA Writing Rubric.
- Doing and Talking STEM.
- Classroom Teachers: Engaging Multilingual Newcomers.
- Leading for Equity: Classroom Walkthrough.
- Social Studies: Engaging Multilingual Learners through Inquiry.
- Developing Language for Learning in Mathematics.
- Engaging with the WIDA Standards: A Collaborative Approach.
- School Improvement Planning for the Equitable Education of Multilingual Learners.
Visit the Self-paced eWorkshops page for more resources.
- New Micro-Offerings from WIDA Professional Learning: Access ALL Three Courses on the Distance Teaching and Learning Webpage
WDE offers professional development and support opportunities for educators to learn about teaching students who are English Learners.
- Screener Overview Webinar– August 27, 2019
- Formative Language Assessment Extension: Offered to Participants who participate in the November 13-14 workshop in Powell, Wyoming.
- Leading Schools for Multilingual Learner Achievement-September 24-25, 2019 in Lander, Wyoming
- ACCESS Test Coordinator/Online Test Administration-November 5, 2019 in Gillette, Wyoming
- Kindergarten ACCESS & Score Reports- November 6, 2019 in Gillette, Wyoming
- Formative Language Assessment-November 13-14, 2019 in Powell, Wyoming
- ACCESS Test Coordinator/Online Test Administrator-December 10, 2019 in Worland, Wyoming
- Paper ACCESS and Kindergarten ACCESS-December 11, 2019 in Worland, Wyoming
- Alternate ACCESS Overview Packet-December 17, 2019
- Alternate ACCESS Overview Webinar-December 17, 2019
- ACCESS Test Coordinator/Online Test Administrator-January 7, 2020 in Lusk, Wyoming
- Educator Collaboration-March 10-11, 2019 in Afton, Wyoming
- Purposeful Lesson Planning For Language Learners-April 7-8, 2019 in Laramie, Wyoming-Cancelled due to Covid-19
- Writing with Multilingual Learners in the Elementary Grades-April 7-8, 2020 in Laramie, Wyoming-Cancelled due to Covid-19
- Score Reports for Instruction-May 19, 2020 in Casper, Wyoming-Cancelled due to Covid-19
- Score Reports for Instruction-May 20, 2020 in Riverton, Wyoming-Cancelled due to Covid-19
- September 10-11: Support Multilingual Learners Workshop – Cody
- September 24: Providing Supports for ELs Webinar 3:30 – 5:00
- WebEx instructions
- September 27: Quarterly EL Webinar facilitate by the WDE 3:45 – 5:00
- November 5: ACCESS 2.0 Test Coordinator Training & Online Test Administrator Training 8:00 – 4:00 – Evanston
- December 3: ACCESS 2.0 Test Coordinator Training & Online Test Administrator Training 8:00 – 4:00 – Riverton
- December 18-19: WIDA Engaging ELs in Science Workshop – Green River
- January 14: ACCESS 2.0 Test Coordinator Training 8:00 – 11:00 /ACCESS 2.0 Test Administrator Training 1:00 – 4:00 – Cheyenne
- March 11-12: WIDA Scaffolding Workshop – Sheridan
- May 20: ACCESS 2.0 Interpreting Score Reports for Instruction Workshop – Riverton
- May 21: ACCESS 2.0 Interpreting Score Reports for Instruction Workshop – Casper
- Lesson Planning Workshop in Casper, Wyoming
January 17-18, 2018 3:30 p.m.-5:00 p.m.
Presented by Suzanne Johar, 1 PTSB Credit awarded - Interpreting ACCESS for ELLs Score Reports for Instruction (With information about Alternate ACCESS) in Casper and Riverton, Wyoming
June 7 & June 8, 2018 8:00 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
Presented by Terri Mossgrove, .5 PTSB Credit awarded