ESOL Levels
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Listed below is a brief description of each WIDA ® English Language Proficiency level.
English Language Proficiency level
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1. Entering
- pictorial or graphic representation of the language of the content areas
- words, phrases or chunks of language when presented with one-step commands, directions, WH-, choice or yes/no questions, or statements with sensory, graphic or interactive support
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2. Emerging:
- general language related to the content areas
- phrases or short sentences
- oral or written language with phonological, syntactic, or semantic errors that often impede the meaning of communication when presented with one or multiple-step commands, directions, questions, or a series of statements with sensory, graphic or interactive support
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3. Developing:
- general and some specific language of the content areas
- expanded sentences in oral interaction or written paragraphs
- oral or written language with phonological, syntactic or semantic errors that may impede communication, but retain much of its meaning when presented with oral or written, narrative or expository descriptions with sensory, graphic or interactive support
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4. Expanding:
- specific and some technical language of the content areas
- a variety of sentence lengths of varying linguistic complexity in oral discourse or multiple, related sentences or paragraphs
- oral or written language with minimal phonological, syntactic or semantic errors that do not impede the overall meaning of the communication when presented with oral or written connected discourse with sensory, graphic or interactive support
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5. Bridging:
- specialized or technical language of the content areas
- a variety of sentence lengths of varying linguistic complexity in extended oral or written discourse, including stories, essays or reports
- oral or written language approaching comparability to that of proficient English peers when presented with grade-level materials.
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6. Reaching:
- specialized or technical language reflective of the content areas at grade level
- a variety of sentence lengths of varying linguistic complexity in extended oral or written discourse as required by the specified grade level
- oral or written communication in English comparable to proficient English peers
Exit Requirements
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ESOL students exit the program when they score a composite score of 5 or higher on tier C of the ACCESS assessment AND a 5 or higher on the literacy composite score on tier C of the ACCESS assessment.
