Have you heard students talking in the hallway about the WIDA? I bet you’re wondering what that is. WIDA testing is an annual proficiency exam given to Jefferson’s English Learners every winter. It provides students the opportunity to demonstrate their academic English skills, and it’s hard!
WIDA testing is coming up as the days pass by. Most students are worried, excited, and even confident. Students who are taking English Language Development (ELD) have been preparing for this test the whole semester of Fall 2024, and if they score high enough, they can exit the EL program.
The WIDA test is for the students who speak more than one language; some of us speak two, three, or four languages! There are four parts to the test (reading, listening, writing, and speaking) in the areas of Social Studies, Math, Science, and ELA. The test will be starting on January 28, 2025 and will last three days. If you’re taking the test, I’ll be sharing a few tips that will help you whenever you are taking the WIDA test.
First, we will be starting with how to be prepared to take these tests; you’ll need to charge your computer. Bring a charger because these tests will take as much time as you need. Go to bed early the night before, so you are able to focus. In addition, eat a meal or snack and bring a water bottle. Take these tests slowly and focus; rushing them will just affect your score and your ability to score high on the WIDA test.
Second, to get a good score on the WIDA test you need to implement and make sure you have complete sentences and academic language when speaking and writing. Also, don’t forget those transition words!
In conclusion, remember that every question matters but your score does not define who you are. Do your best and be proud of yourself.