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For English as a Second Language (ESL) students, navigating the complexities of language acquisition can be challenging, both for the students themselves and for their parents. One crucial aspect of this journey is the annual WIDA ACCESS test, a standardized exam designed to assess the English language proficiency of ESL students. 42 U.S. states use this exam to measure English proficiency progress. In this article, we'll delve into the benefits of educating parents about the WIDA ACCESS test and how it can positively impact their children's academic journey.
Understanding the WIDA ACCESS Test:
Before delving into the benefits, it's essential to understand what the WIDA ACCESS test entails. WIDA, which stands for World-Class Instructional Design and Assessment, is a consortium of states dedicated to the design and implementation of high-quality English language proficiency standards and assessments. The ACCESS test, short for Assessing Comprehension and Communication in English State-to-State, is an annual assessment administered to ESL students to measure their proficiency in English across four language domains: listening, speaking, reading, and writing.
Now, onto the benefits of educating parents about the WIDA ACCESS Test.
1. Enhancing Parental Engagement:
Educating parents about the WIDA ACCESS test fosters greater parental engagement in their children's education. When parents understand the purpose and significance of the test, they are more likely to actively participate in their children's learning journey, whether it's by providing additional support at home, communicating with teachers, or attending school meetings.
I really struggled with getting parents 1) educated about WIDA 2) interested in what the test can offer and 3) involved in supporting their child. Other countries do not use standardized tests to the extent that the United States does and this if often confusing for parents. When I would tell them, "No, it doesn't affect their school grades," they would often loose interest. Over time, however, I managed to develop some strategies to get parents more in tune with what their child is doing in school, specifically with the ACCESS test.
One way I did this was by creating a multilingual, friendly-looking Google Slides presentation that I sent out to all my ML parents. This way, they didn't even have to do the work of translating it (which can often be a real pain)--it was already done. This was highly successful and I even got parent questions back which showed me that they read through it and had insightful things to ask.
If you would like to purchase this presentation (comes in 4 languages), click HERE.
2. Empowering Parents to Support Their Children:
Knowledge is empowering, and when parents understand the intricacies of the WIDA ACCESS test, they are better equipped to support their children's language development. Armed with information about the test format, scoring criteria, and proficiency levels, parents can tailor their support strategies to address their children's specific needs, whether it's practicing language skills at home, accessing supplementary resources, or seeking additional educational support. This also applies to everyday parenting responsibilities such as making sure the student gets to bed on time, does not go to bed with a cell phone, and eats and good breakfast on test day.
3. Fostering Collaboration Between Parents and Educators:
Educating parents about the WIDA ACCESS test facilitates collaboration between parents and educators. By fostering open communication and mutual understanding, parents and teachers can work together to create a supportive learning environment that meets the unique needs of ESL students. This collaboration can involve setting academic goals, monitoring progress, and implementing targeted interventions to support student growth and development.
4. Promoting Advocacy for ESL Students:
When parents are well-informed about the WIDA ACCESS test, they are better equipped to advocate for their children's educational needs. Whether it's advocating for appropriate instructional supports, accommodations, or English language development programs, informed parents can effectively collaborate with school administrators and policymakers to ensure that ESL students receive the resources and support they need to thrive academically.
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