WORLD-CLASS INSTRUCTIONAL DESIGN AND ASSESSMENT

The English Language Learner Can Do Booklet

Grades PreKindergarten-Kindergarten
INCLUDES: Performance Definitions Can Do Descriptors
For use in conjunction with the WIDA English Language Proficiency Standards
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Copyright Notice 2012 Board of Regents of the University of Wisconsin System. The WIDA English Language Learner Can Do Booklet, Grades PreKindergarten-Kindergarten, may not be reproduced, modified, or distributed without prior written permission from the WIDA Consortium. The WIDA ELL Can Do Booklet is for your personal, noncommercial use only. Fair use of the WIDA ELL Can Do Booklet includes reproduction for the purpose of teaching (including multiple copies for lesson planning). To order more copies of this booklet, please visit www.wida.us or contact the WIDA Help Desk at toll free 1-866-276-7735 or e-mail help@wida.us.

2012 Board of Regents of the University of Wisconsin System, on behalf of the WIDA Consortiumwww.wida.us.

Foreword: The WIDA English Language Learner Can Do Booklet

The WIDA Consortium, from its conception, envisioned a system of standards and assessments that would assist schools in teaching academic language to English Language Learners (ELLs). This dream, now a reality, includes the development of practical tools to guide teachers when designing and implementing lessons, monitoring student progress, determining student language proficiency levels, collaborating across programs, and conveying results to ELLs and their parents. The WIDA English Language Learner Can Do Booklet is a very important contribution to meeting these goals. The booklet complements the WIDA English Language Proficiency Standards and provides a valuable set of resources aligned to the Performance Definitions for the levels of English language proficiency. WIDAs professional development program works with these resources to assist teachers in embedding academic English into content lessons and working school-wide to ensure the academic success of our culturally and linguistically diverse learners. The WIDA Consortium recognizes that as a teacher of ELLs, you have a challenging but crucial job within your school. We sincerely hope that this booklet and other WIDA resources help to make your work more effective and your students more successful both in learning English and mastering challenging academic content.

Timothy Boals, Ph.D. Executive Director WIDA Consortium

Introduction
The resources contained in this booklet are intended to support classroom instruction. As with all WIDA products and services, they address language proficiency in relation to five English language proficiency (ELP) standards: Social and Instructional Language The Language of Language Arts The Language of Mathematics The Language of Science The Language of Social Studies

The following table displays the major components of WIDAs standards-based system. The bold-faced components are included in this booklet and listed in the order in which they appear.

Components of WIDAs Standards-based System

Standards-based Component Strands of Model Performance Indicators as representative of the WIDA English Language Proficiency Standards Performance Definitions Can Do Descriptors Speaking and Writing Rubrics Distinguishing Feature Illustrate how English language learners process and use language for each English language proficiency standard, language domain, and language proficiency level by grade level cluster Outline how English language learners process and use language for each level of language proficiency in grades K-12 Describe how English language learners process and use language for each language domain and level of language proficiency by grade level cluster Document how English language learners process and use language in the domain of speaking or writing for each level of language proficiency based on three criteria: linguistic complexity, vocabulary usage, and language control in grades K-12

The resources contained in this booklet are intended to support classroom instruction. The Performance Definitions (see page 4) provide criteria that shape each of the six levels of English language proficiency. The three bullets within each proficiency level in the Performance Definitions represent: Linguistic Complexity the amount and quality of speech or writing for a given situation Vocabulary Usagethe specificity of words or phrases for a given context Language Controlthe comprehensibility of the communication based on the amount and types of errors The Performance Definitions provide a concise, global overview of language expectations for each level of English language proficiency. They span the spectrum of grade levels which means that educators must interpret the meaning of the Definitions according to students cognitive development due to age, their grade level, their diversity of educational experiences, and any diagnosed learning disabilities (if applicable). For example, in level 5, extended oral or written discourse would probably be indicated by a 1st grade students ability to orally retell a story in a series of sentences using simple transition words. However, a middle school student might be expected to exhibit linguistic complexity at level 5 by incorporating a variety of sentence structures in an essay several paragraphs in

length. It is important to recognize that the Performance Definitions are the basis for use of other standards-based resources such as the Can Do Descriptors. The Can Do Descriptors (see pages 6-7) are the centerpiece of this booklet, designed to support teachers by providing them with information on the language students are able to understand and produce in the classroom. What is unique about the Can Do Descriptors is that they apply to all five English language proficiency standards, which means they provide an opportunity to link language development across all academic content areas. The Descriptors are intended to be used in tandem with the Performance Definitions. This is because the quantity and quality of language expected at a particular level of language proficiency may not be fully indicated within the Can Do Descriptor for each language domain and proficiency level. For example, the Can Do Descriptors show that students may be able to identify at various levels of language proficiency, but the language (linguistic complexity, vocabulary usage, and language control) they use will vary tremendously. At one end of the spectrum, beginning English language learners may identify by pointing or using short words or phrases, whereas at the end of the language development continuum, students will begin to identify complex themes and ideas described in detailed technical language.

Performance Definitions for the Levels of English Language Proficiency in Grades K-12
At the given level of English language proficiency, English language learners will process, understand, produce, or use:
6 Reaching
specialized or technical language reflective of the content areas at grade level a variety of sentence lengths of varying linguistic complexity in extended oral or written discourse as required by the specified grade level oral or written communication in English comparable to English-proficient peers specialized or technical language of the content areas a variety of sentence lengths of varying linguistic complexity in extended oral or written discourse, including stories, essays, or reports oral or written language approaching comparability to that of English-proficient peers when presented with grade-level material specific and some technical language of the content areas a variety of sentence lengths of varying linguistic complexity in oral discourse or multiple, related sentences, or paragraphs oral or written language with minimal phonological, syntactic, or semantic errors that do not impede the overall meaning of the communication when presented with oral or written connected discourse with sensory, graphic, or interactive support general and some specific language of the content areas expanded sentences in oral interaction or written paragraphs oral or written language with phonological, syntactic, or semantic errors that may impede the communication, but retain much of its meaning, when presented with oral or written, narrative, or expository descriptions with sensory, graphic, or interactive support general language related to the content areas phrases or short sentences oral or written language with phonological, syntactic, or semantic errors that often impede the meaning of the communication when presented with one- to multiple-step commands, directions, questions, or a series of statements with sensory, graphic, or interactive support pictorial or graphic representation of the language of the content areas words, phrases, or chunks of language when presented with one-step commands, directions, WH-, choice, or yes/no questions, or statements with sensory, graphic, or interactive support oral language with phonological, syntactic, or semantic errors that often impede meaning when presented with basic oral commands, direct questions, or simple statements with sensory, graphic, or interactive support

5 Bridging

4 Expanding

3 Developing

2 Beginning

1 Entering

Grade Level Cluster Can Do Descriptors

The grade level cluster Can Do Descriptors have been created by teachers, primarily for teachers, who work with English language learners throughout the consortium. During 2007-08, over 900 teachers and administrators participated in refining and validating five grade level clusters of Descriptors from the original document spanning the K-12 spectrum. These Descriptors for the four language domainslistening, speaking, reading, and writingand five levels of English language proficiency are based on the WIDA English Language Proficiency Standards. Interpretation of the Can Do Descriptors To maintain the succinctness of the individual statements, some basic assumptions need to be made in interpreting the Can Do Descriptors. 1. Sensory, graphic, or interactive support are present through language proficiency level 4, Expanding. 2. English language learners can process or produce the language associated with the stated language functions. 3. Linguistic complexity, vocabulary usage, and language control increase incrementally as students move from one English language proficiency level to the next.

Uses for the Can Do Descriptors

The Can Do Descriptors are a resource, in addition to the English language proficiency standards, to use in classrooms with English language learners. As an instructional assessment tool, language teachers may: Share the Descriptors with classroom teachers and administrators to describe the second language acquisition process around the levels of English language proficiency Provide resource teachers, such as Title I or literacy coaches, additional information about English language learners Use to plan with tutors or mentors who work with English language learners Develop or co-develop lessons and units of study with differentiated language objectives Set language goals with their English language learners* Explain to parents students progress in listening, speaking, reading, and writing* Suggest language goals to be incorporated into Individual Education Programs (IEPs) for English language learners with diagnosed disabilities Translate English language proficiency test scores (i.e., ACCESS for ELLs, W-APT, and WIDA MODEL) into classroom practice Observe and note levels of student performance as a precursor to using WIDA Speaking and Writing Rubrics for formative assessment Use the Descriptors to advocate on behalf of English language learners

The Can Do Descriptors are a sampling of the language expectations of English language learners as they travel along the continuum of English language development. Unlike the strands of model performance indicators that scaffold across levels of language proficiency, the Can Do Descriptors function independently within * For these uses, the Can Do Descriptors are also available in Spanish on pp. 8-11 of a given level of language proficiency. this booklet.

Can Do Descriptors: Grade Level Cluster PreK-K

For the given level of English language proficiency and with visual, graphic, or interactive support through Level 4, English language learners can process or produce the language needed to:
Level 1 Entering
Match oral language to classroom and everyday objects Point to stated pictures in context

Level 2 Beginning
Sort pictures or objects according to oral instructions Match pictures, objects or movements to oral descriptions Follow one-step oral directions (e.g., stand up; sit down) Identify simple patterns described orally Respond with gestures to songs, chants, or stories modeled by teachers

Level 3 Developing
Follow two-step oral directions, one step at a time Draw pictures in response to oral instructions Respond non-verbally to confirm or deny facts (e.g., thumbs up, thumbs down) Act out songs and stories using gestures

Level 4 Expanding
Find pictures that match oral descriptions Follow oral directions and compare with visual or nonverbal models (e.g., Draw a circle under the line.) Distinguish between what happens first and next in oral activities or readings Role play in response to stories read aloud

Level 5 Bridging
Order pictures of events according to sequential language Arrange objects or pictures according to descriptive oral discourse Identify pictures/realia associated with grade-level academic concepts from oral descriptions Make patterns from real objects or pictures based on detailed oral descriptions

LISTENING

Respond non-verbally to oral commands or statements (e.g., through physical movement) Find familiar people and places named orally

Level 6 - Reaching

Identify people or objects in illustrated short stories

Restate some facts from illustrated short stories Describe pictures, classroom objects or familiar people using simple phrases Answer questions with one or two words (e.g., Where is Sonia?) Complete phrases in rhymes, songs, and chants

Retell short narrative stories through pictures Repeat sentences from rhymes and patterned stories Make predictions (e.g. What will happen next?) Answer explicit questions from stories read aloud (e.g., who, what, or where)

SPEAKING

Repeat words, simple phases Answer yes/no questions about personal information Name classroom and everyday objects

Retell narrative stories through pictures with emerging detail Sing repetitive songs and chants independently Compare attributes of real objects (e.g., size, shape, color) Indicate spatial relations of real-life objects using phrases or short sentences

Tell original stories with emerging detail Explain situations (e.g., involving feelings) Offer personal opinions Express likes, dislikes, or preferences with reasons

The Can Do Descriptors work in conjunction with the WIDA Performance Definitions of the English language proficiency standards. The Performance Definitions use three criteria (1. linguistic complexity; 2. vocabulary usage; and 3. language control) to describe the increasing quality and quantity of students language processing and use across the levels of language proficiency.

Can Do Descriptors: Grade Level Cluster PreK-K

For the given level of English language proficiency and with visual, graphic, or interactive support through Level 4, English language learners can process or produce the language needed to:
Level 1 Entering
Match icons and symbols to corresponding pictures Identify name in print Find matching words or pictures Find labeled real-life classroom objects

Level 2 Beginning
Match examples of the same form of print Distinguish between same and different forms of print (e.g., single letters and symbols) Demonstrate concepts of print (e.g., left to right movement, beginning/end, or top/bottom of page) Match labeled pictures to those in illustrated scenes

Level 3 Developing
Use pictures to identify words Classify visuals according to labels or icons (e.g., animals v. plants) Demonstrate concepts of print (e.g., title, author, illustrator) Sort labeled pictures by attribute (e.g., number, initial sound)

Level 4 Expanding
Identify some highfrequency words in context Order a series of labeled pictures described orally to tell stories Match pictures to phrases/ short sentences Classify labeled pictures by two attributes (e.g., size and color)

Level 5 Bridging
Find school-related vocabulary items Differentiate between letters, words, and sentences String words together to make short sentences Indicate features of words, phrases, or sentences that are the same and different

READING

Level 6 - Reaching

Draw pictures and scribble Circle or underline pictures, symbols, and numbers Trace figures and letters Make symbols, figures or letters from models and realia (e.g., straws, clay)

Connect oral language to print (e.g., language experience) Reproduce letters, symbols, and numbers from models in context Copy icons of familiar environmental print Draw objects from models and label with letters

Communicate using letters, Produce symbols and symbols, and numbers in strings of letters associated context with pictures Make illustrated notes and cards with distinct letter combinations Make connections between speech and writing Reproduce familiar words from labeled models or illustrations Draw pictures and use words to tell a story Label familiar people and objects from models Produce familiar words/phrases from environmental print and illustrated text

Create content-based representations through pictures and words Make story books with drawings and words Produce words/phrases independently Relate everyday experiences using phrases/short sentences

The Can Do Descriptors work in conjunction with the WIDA Performance Definitions of the English language proficiency standards. The Performance Definitions use three criteria (1. linguistic complexity; 2. vocabulary usage; and 3. language control) to describe the increasing quality and quantity of students language processing and use across the levels of language proficiency. 7

WRITING

Descripcin de Habilidades: Grados Escolares PreK-K

Dado el nivel de desempeo en ingls y apoyados de grficos, apoyos visuales, y apoyos interactivos hasta el Nivel 4, los estudiantes de ingls pueden procesar o producir el lenguaje que se necesita para hacer lo siguiente:
Nivel 1 Entrando
Emparejar lenguaje oral con objetos en el saln de clase y objetos diarios Sealar dibujos mencionados de un contexto Responder a instrucciones verbales con movimientos fsicos Encontrar personas familiares en lugares descritos verbalmente

Nivel 2 Emergiendo
Clasificar dibujos u objetos siguiendo instrucciones verbales Emparejar dibujos, objetos, o movimientos con instrucciones verbales Seguir instrucciones verbales de un paso (ejemplo: prate, sintate) Identificar patrones/ pautas simples descritos/as verbalmente Responder con gestos a canciones o cuentos modelados por el maestro

Nivel 3 Desarrollando
Seguir instrucciones verbales de dos pasos un paso al tiempo Hacer dibujos como respuesta a instrucciones verbales Responder con movimientos fsicos para confirmar o negar hechos (ejemplo: mover la cabeza para indicar s o no) Actuar canciones y cuentos con gestos

Nivel 4 Extendiendo
Encontrar dibujos siguiendo descripciones verbales Seguir instrucciones verbales y compararlas a visuales o modelos no verbales (ejemplo: Dibuja un crculo debajo de la lnea) Distinguir entre lo que pasa antes o despus en actividades verbales o cuentos Actuar en respuesta a cuentos ledos en voz alta

Nivel 5 Conectando
Ordenar dibujos de eventos de acuerdo a lenguaje secuencial Organizar objetos o dibujos de acuerdo a discurso descriptivo Identificar dibujos de descripciones verbales asociados con conceptos acadmicos de acuerdo al nivel escolar Hacer patrones de objetos reales o dibujos basados en descripciones verbales detalladas

Nivel 6 - Alcanzando

Los Descriptores Can Do trabajan en conjunto con Las Descripciones WIDA de las Habilidades en los niveles de lenguaje acadmico de las normas de desempeo del lenguaje ingls, los cuales usan tres criterios (1. complejidad lingstica; 2. uso de vocabulario; y 3. control del lenguaje) para describir la calidad y la cantidad incremental del procesamiento y uso de lenguaje a travs de los diferentes niveles de desempeo.

ESCUCHAR

Descripcin de Habilidades: Grados Escolares PreK-K

Dado el nivel de desempeo en ingls y apoyados de grficos, apoyos visuales, y apoyos interactivos hasta el Nivel 4, los estudiantes de ingls pueden procesar o producir el lenguaje que se necesita para hacer lo siguiente:
Nivel 1 Entrando
Identificar personas u objetos en cuentos cortos ilustrados Repetir palabras, frases simples

Nivel 2 Emergiendo
Recontar algunos hechos de cuentos cortos ilustrados Describir dibujos, objetos en el saln o personas familiares usando frases simples Responder preguntas con una o dos palabras (ejemplo: Dnde est?) Completar frases en rimas o canciones

Nivel 3 Desarrollando
Recontar cuentos cortos narrados a travs de dibujos Repetir oraciones de rimas o cuentos con patrones Hacer predicciones (ejemplo: Qu pasar despus? Contestar preguntas especficas de cuentos ledos en voz alta (ejemplo: quin, qu, dnde)

Nivel 4 Extendiendo
Recontar cuentos narrativos a travs de dibujos detallados Cantar lricas repetitivas independientemente Comparar atributos u objetos reales (ejemplo: tamao, color, forma) Indicar relacin espacial de objetos reales usando frases u oraciones cortas

Nivel 5 Conectando
Contar cuentos originales con detalles emergentes Explicar situaciones (ejemplo: incluir sentimientos) Ofrecer opiniones personales Expresar con rezones los gustos, disgustos, o preferencias

Nivel 6 - Alcanzando

HABLAR

Contestar preguntas de s o no acerca de informacin personal Nombrar objetos en el saln y objetos diarios

Los Descriptores Can Do trabajan en conjunto con Las Descripciones WIDA de las Habilidades en los niveles de lenguaje acadmico de las normas de desempeo del lenguaje ingls, los cuales usan tres criterios (1. complejidad lingstica; 2. uso de vocabulario; y 3. control del lenguaje) para describir la calidad y la cantidad incremental del procesamiento y uso de lenguaje a travs de los diferentes niveles de desempeo. 9

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Descripcin de Habilidades: Grados Escolares PreK-K

Dado el nivel de desempeo en ingls y apoyados de grficos, apoyos visuales, y apoyos interactivos hasta el Nivel 4, los estudiantes de ingls pueden procesar o producir el lenguaje que se necesita para hacer lo siguiente:
Nivel 1 Entrando
Emparejar conos y smbolos con los dibujos que corresponden Identificar el nombre escrito

Nivel 2 Emergiendo
Emparejar ejemplos de la misma escritura Distinguir entre diferentes tipos de escritura (ejemplo: letras y smbolos) Demostrar conceptos de escritura (ejemplo: movimiento de izquierda a derecha, principio/fin o la parte de arriba/abajo de la pgina) Emparejar dibujos etiquetados con los que estn ilustrados

Nivel 3 Desarrollando
Usar dibujos para identificar palabras Clasificar visuales de acuerdo a etiquetas o conos (ejemplo: animales versus plantas) Demostrar conceptos de escritura (ejemplo: ttulo, autor, ilustrador) Clasificar dibujos etiquetados por atributo (ejemplo: nmero, inicial, sonido)

Nivel 4 Extendiendo
Identificar algunas palabras con alta frecuencia en un contexto Ordenar una serie de dibujos etiquetados descritos verbalmente para contar cuentos Emparejar dibujos con frases/oraciones cortas Clasificar dibujos etiquetados por dos atributos (ejemplo: tamao y color)

Level 5 Bridging
Encontrar vocabulario relacionado con la escuela Diferenciar entre dos letras, palabras y oraciones Juntar palabras para hacer oraciones cortas Indicar caractersticas de palabras, frases, u oraciones que son iguales y diferentes

Nivel 6 - Alcanzando

LEER

Encontrar palabras y dibujos que emparejan Encontrar objetos de vida real en el saln

Los Descriptores Can Do trabajan en conjunto con Las Descripciones WIDA de las Habilidades en los niveles de lenguaje acadmico de las normas de desempeo del lenguaje ingls, los cuales usan tres criterios (1. complejidad lingstica; 2. uso de vocabulario; y 3. control del lenguaje) para describir la calidad y la cantidad incremental del procesamiento y uso de lenguaje a travs de los diferentes niveles de desempeo.

Descripcin de Habilidades: Grados Escolares PreK-K

Dado el nivel de desempeo en ingls y apoyados de grficos, apoyos visuales, y apoyos interactivos hasta el Nivel 4, los estudiantes de ingls pueden procesar o producir el lenguaje que se necesita para hacer lo siguiente:
Nivel 1 Entrando
Dibujar y escribir garabatos Circular o subrayar palabras, smbolos y nmeros Trazar figuras y letras Hacer smbolos, figuras, o letras de objetos diarios (ejemplo: hacer algo de plastilina)

Nivel 2 Emergiendo
Conectar lenguaje oral con lo escrito Reproducir letras, smbolos, y nmeros siguiendo modelos en un contexto Copiar conos conocidos de la escritura en el medioambiente Dibujar objetos siguiendo modelos y etiquetar con letras

Nivel 3 Desarrollando
Comunicarse usando letras, smbolos, y nmeros de un contexto Hacer cartas ilustradas con combinaciones de letras Hacer conexiones entre lo hablado y lo escrito Reproducir palabras conocidas de ilustraciones etiquetadas

Nivel 4 Extendiendo
Producir smbolos y letras que son asociados con dibujos Dibujar y usar palabras para contar un cuento Etiquetar personas y objetos conocidos de un modelo Producir palabras/ frases conocidas de ilustraciones y escritura del medioambiente

Level 5 Bridging
Crear representaciones con contenidos acadmicos a travs de dibujos y palabras Hacer libros de cuentos con dibujos y palabras Producir palabras/frases independientemente Recontar experiencias de la vida diaria usando frases/oraciones cortas

Nivel 6 - Alcanzando

Los Descriptores Can Do trabajan en conjunto con Las Descripciones WIDA de las Habilidades en los niveles de lenguaje acadmico de las normas de desempeo del lenguaje ingls, los cuales usan tres criterios (1. complejidad lingstica; 2. uso de vocabulario; y 3. control del lenguaje) para describir la calidad y la cantidad incremental del procesamiento y uso de lenguaje a travs de los diferentes niveles de desempeo. 11

ESCRIBIR

 2012 Board of Regents of the University of Wisconsin System, on behalf of the WIDA Consortium

www.wida.us
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