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By Emily Scott, KSDE ESOL program
English learner framework for 2025-26 school year now available
The English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) program has been undergoing many exciting changes in the last few months. New program guidance, now referred to as the English Learner Framework 2025-2026, is available on the KSDE ESOL website.
This updated guidance strives to consolidate existing policies and procedures into one centralized document to enhance accessibility and ease of reference for those in the field. While applicable to all individuals engaged with ESOL and Title III programs in local education agencies (LEAs), it is particularly relevant to those involved in program coordination and oversight.
Feedback on this guidance can be provided here.
World-Class Instructional Design and Assessment (WIDA) alternate screener available
The WIDA Alternate Screener is now available to determine ESOL eligibility for K-12 students with the most significant cognitive disabilities.
The Kansas WIDA state page has been updated to include a multitude of new resources to help educators prepare to administer the screener.
Note: Prior to administering the WIDA Alternate Screener, staff must complete the WIDA Alternate Screener: Administration and Scoring course located on the WIDA secure portal under the assessment training tab. As a reminder, this screener is only for potential English learner students who have a significant cognitive disability.
WIDA assessment webinars scheduled
Educators in Kansas have the opportunity to participate in free assessment webinars developed by WIDA. WIDA assessment webinars are a series of live webinars presented by WIDA and Data Recognition Corporation (DRC).
They help test administrators and test coordinators administer WIDA Alternate ACCESS and WIDA Alternate Screener and are designed to supplement the official assessment training courses.
Add these webinars to your calendar from the Webinars page of the WIDA secure portal (login required).
All WIDA assessment webinars are recorded and will be available on the WIDA secure portal approximately one week after the initial presentation.
Contact KSDE staff with questions in the following areas:
WIDA Alternate ACCESS eligibility: Cary Rogers, Cary.Rogers@ksde.gov, (785) 296-0916
EL support, KELPA, and WIDA Alternate ACCESS assessments: Emily Scott, Emily.Scott@ksde.gov, (785) 296-4941
WIDA secure portal and WIDA AMS: Chelsea Pelfrey, Chelsea.Pelfrey@ksde.gov, (785) 296-0040
In this edition | Feature Story | Assessments and Accountability | Reporting and Operations Standards and Instruction | Student Health and Nutrition | Upcoming Events, Trainings and Recognition
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The Kansas State Department of Education does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, disability, or age in its programs and activities. (more information...)
To accommodate people with disabilities, on request, auxiliary aides and services will be provided and reasonable modifications to policies and programs will be made. To request accommodations or for more information please contact the Office of General Counsel at gc@ksde.gov or by 785-296-3201.