2014 Conference
May 8–9, 2014
Framingham, MA
MATSOL 2014 Conference: Online Program
Refresh • Reflect • Renew
Session Handouts: Find the conference session using the search fields below. If materials were uploaded by the presenter, they will appear at the bottom of the session entry.
Opportunities and challenges of “the WIDA way” in Massachusetts
Session Abstract
This presentation describes the Massachusetts’ adoption of WIDA, a set of English Language Learner (ELL) standards, materials, and assessments. Drawing on an interview study of district ELL coordinators, state implementers, and WIDA staff, we explore the implications of this reform for practitioners. We will discuss the ways in which the WIDA materials promote new and different practices to support ELLs, including lesson planning, data-use to guide instruction, and subject-specific features of academic language. Given WIDA’s expanded conceptions of ELL instruction for general education, we will discuss the crucial role of advocates outside the ESL community, particularly school and district administrators and explore the shifting role for ESL teachers in the context of WIDA. We focus on the implications of these changes for district and school leaders, in addition to considering the impact on teachers, both ESL and general educators.
Session Length
Practice-Oriented Presentation (45 minutes)
Audience
Secondary Educators
Program Administrators
Teacher Educators
Topic Strand
Standards Implementation (CCSS, WIDA, etc.)
Session Type
Invited Speaker
Lead Presenter
Dr. Rebecca Lowenhaupt, Lynch School of Education at Boston College
Biographical Statement
Dr. Rebecca Lowenhaupt is an assistant professor in the Lynch School of Education at Boston College. Her work focuses on educational leadership in the context of immigration, with an emphasis on the role of school principals in supporting English Language Learners.