Emanuel County Schools ESOL teacher Alexandra Flowers represented the district at the WIDA Can Do Descriptors Focus Group in Seattle, Washington, on October 27. WIDA is a national organization that supports English language learners (ELLs) with standards, assessments, and professional development opportunities for K-12 educators.
Mrs. Flowers joined educators nationwide to provide input on updates to the WIDA Can Do Descriptors, which outline what ELL students can do in listening, speaking, reading, and writing at various proficiency levels. The revised descriptors will include language functions for all academic subjects, providing teachers with a more comprehensive tool to guide and empower students.
"Our group’s input was so detailed that WIDA staff decided to extend our work for four more weeks," Flowers said. "We’ll keep refining the wording, format, and content of the new Can Do descriptors in online meetings and chats."
Flowers said that, once finalized, the new descriptors may be piloted locally. "It’s an exciting opportunity for Emanuel County," she said. "These tools will help both ESOL and regular teachers working with English learners."
Along with the four-week collaboration, Mrs. Flowers was invited to assist with WIDA’s Spanish Can Do descriptors, "Podemos en acción," through online work with bilingual staff.
"I’m honored to represent our county at these national events," Flowers said. "It’s the first time our beautiful county has been chosen to join a WIDA project like this."
