WIDA ELD Standards

Rhode Island endorses English Language Development Standards from the World-Class Instructional Design and Assessment Consortium, or WIDA Consortium. WIDA is a consortium of 42 states, territories, and federal agencies dedicated to the research, design, and implementation of a high-quality, culturally and linguistically appropriate system to support multilingual learners in K-12. WIDA is based in the University of Wisconsin Madison and has developed English Language Development (ELD) standards that are in use by consortium members and globally. For an overview of the framework for implementation see WIDA English Language Development (ELD) Standards Framework.

WIDA standards are applicable for students at all grade and proficiency levels and create a roadmap for teachers and learners in developing language competency across 5 standard areas (Language for Social and Instructional Purposes, Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies). These standards are not only crucial to providing direct dedicated ELD instruction to MLL students. Importantly, the WIDA ELD Standards set curricular priorities for language development aligned with academic content standards, providing a framework for integrated language & content planning and instruction.   

RIDE's intent to maximize impact for MLL students builds upon the RI Blueprint for Multilingual Learner Success, the RI Strategic Plan for Multilingual Learner Success, and the RI MLL Regulations. RIDE has developed a High-Quality Instructional Framework for Multilingual Learners (MLL) to Thrive for high-quality instruction for MLLs that includes evidence-based, student-centered tenets of teaching and learning. For more resources and information visit: Multilingual Learners (MLLs) / English Learners (ELs) | RI Department of Education.

Information and Resources

• You can find the standards and more background information on WIDA’s English Language Development (ELD) Standards page.
• For a pre-recorded presentation on the ELP Standards, please see the WIDA ELP Standards Tutorial.
• Additional documents, guides, resources, and standards can be found in the WIDA Download Library.
• RIDE’s English Language Learners page contains more information and guidance.