At Nauset Public Schools, we use the WIDA Standards to guide our English Language Education (ELE) programs and support the academic growth of our English learners (ELs). The WIDA Standards are a set of research-based guidelines that ensure ELs receive high-quality instruction and support tailored to their language development needs.

What are WIDA Standards?

The WIDA Standards are designed to help educators support English learners by focusing on both academic language and content knowledge. These standards are organized into five key areas:

1. Social and Instructional Language: This includes the language used for daily interactions and classroom communication.

2. Language of Language Arts: This covers the language necessary for literacy and reading instruction.

3. Language of Mathematics: This addresses the vocabulary and language skills needed for understanding and solving math problems.

4. Language of Science: This focuses on the language required to engage with scientific concepts and practices.

5. Language of Social Studies: This involves the language needed for understanding and discussing historical and geographical concepts.

How We Use WIDA Standards

At Nauset, we integrate WIDA Standards into our curriculum and teaching practices to ensure that ELs have meaningful access to grade-level content while developing their English language skills. Here’s how:

1. Curriculum Design: Our curriculum is designed to align with the WIDA Standards, ensuring that ELs are exposed to the language they need to succeed in various subject areas. This alignment helps bridge the gap between language development and academic content.

2. Instructional Practices: Teachers use WIDA Standards to guide their instruction, incorporating strategies that support language development and academic achievement. This includes differentiated instruction, scaffolding, and formative assessments to monitor progress.

3. Assessment and Progress Monitoring: We regularly assess students' progress in relation to the WIDA Standards to track their language development and academic performance. This includes the use of interim assessments and formative feedback to adjust instruction as needed.

4. Professional Development: Our educators receive ongoing training in WIDA Standards and best practices for teaching ELs. This ensures they are equipped with the knowledge and skills to effectively support students in meeting these standards.

Why WIDA Standards Matter

The WIDA Standards are crucial for helping English learners achieve academic success. They provide a framework for understanding the language skills necessary for various academic subjects and guide teachers in delivering effective instruction. By using these standards, Nauset Public Schools ensures that our ELs are not only learning English but also mastering the content required for their academic success.

For more information on WIDA Standards, please visit the WIDA website.