If you have ESOL students in your classroom then you have probably be given information about “Can Do” descriptors and are also probably wondering what they are. Can do descriptors are designed by WIDA to help teachers understand and create language-rich, literacy-rich, and culturally appropriate classrooms and lessons. These types of classrooms are good for an learners not just English learners. These types of classrooms are engaging and work for every learner in your school but they are particularly important and essential for English learners as they learn English and academic content simultaneously.
The purpose of the Can Do descriptors is to help you know where your students are in terms of English proficient and what you can expect them to be able to do at that level (What they Can Do.) By using the Can Do descriptors teachers are able to set realistic expectations and provide appropriate learning supports for English learners in the academic classroom setting as well as ESOL classroom.
The Can Do descriptors are designed to be blended with the Georgia Standards of Excellence for your content area(s) so that students at all proficiency levels can access grade level content.
For example: A student in 2nd grade who has a proficiency level of 1.4 can listen to a book being read and then put pictures in order describing the sequence of the story and perhaps extending the lesson can write one noun for each picture. [Showing what happens next based on familiar oral stories (e.g., by pointing or drawing)]. Comparatively a 2nd grade student with a 3.6 proficiency level should be able to listen to or read a story and then identify linking words or phrases related to passage of time in speech (e.g., “on Monday” “the next day”) and as an extension by write a sequence of events about the book or create a timeline of events in the story
An 8th grade student with a 3.2 proficiency level might write an argumentative essay (or paragraph) by substantiating his/her opinion on a topic with content-related examples and evidence. Simultaneously in the same class, an 8th grade student with a 1.2 proficiency level might generate words and phrases that represent opinions (e.g., “I think…”). In both examples, the same content standard is being addressed but the standard is made accessible to the English learner.
The Can Do descriptors were designed to create and implement the uses of the students strengths and assets to build English proficiency while gaining access to academic content. Visit the Can Do descriptors for your grade level below. If you are a pre-K teacher, you will find some early Can Do Descriptors here as well.
English Learners in Laurens County 