What Does WIDA Stand For?

In 2002,  an EAG grant provided initial funding for the organization that would become WIDA. Three states were involved in the grant: Wisconsin (WI), Delaware (D), and Arkansas (A), so the acronym WIDA was chosen for the name. At the last minute, however, Arkansas dropped out, and World-class Instructional Design and Assessment was created to fit the acronym. As WIDA grew, however, the original name no longer adequately described its mission. Recently WIDA decided to stop using the acronym definition. Now WIDA just means WIDA, but as to what it stands for, see the Mission, Vision, and Values listed below.

Mission

WIDA advances academic language development and academic achievement for linguistically diverse students through high-quality standards, assessments, research, and professional development for educators.

Vision

To be the most trusted resource in the education of PreKindergarten through Grade 12 language learners.

Values

WIDA's Can Do Philosophy: believing in the assets, contributions, and potential of linguistically diverse students

To learn more about WIDA and to get involved click on the links below:

https://www.wida.us/standards/CAN_DOs/

https://www.wida.us/aboutUs/AcademicLanguage/