In education, progress is just as important as the final outcome. But tracking student growth, especially in language learning, can feel like an uphill battle. Teachers often rely on frameworks like WIDA (for English learners) and ACTFL (for world languages) to measure proficiency. These frameworks are effective, yet the challenge lies in collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data—tasks that demand time and resources teachers often lack.

That’s why we integrated WIDA & ACTFL Proficiency Level Estimation into Speakable. We wanted to simplify this process, empowering teachers and administrators to see exactly where students stand and what support they need—without the stress of manual data tracking. Our feature offers instant, actionable insights to keep everyone on track.

Why Proficiency Level Estimation Matters

Measuring language progress is about more than just vocabulary or grammar. It’s about assessing how well students can apply what they’ve learned in real-world contexts. That’s where structured frameworks like WIDA and ACTFL come into play:

• WIDA focuses on English language learners, assessing skills across listening, speaking, reading, and writing.
• ACTFL measures proficiency in world languages, from novice to advanced levels, helping track fluency and comprehension.

While these frameworks provide clear benchmarks, the real hurdle for teachers is managing ongoing assessments that align with them. This is where Speakable’s proficiency level estimation tool becomes invaluable. It automates data collection and analysis, offering real-time feedback without adding to a teacher’s workload.

How Speakable’s Proficiency Estimation Works

Our proficiency estimation is designed to fit effortlessly into your existing teaching routine. Here’s how it works:

1. Assign Activities with Speaking or Writing Components
   Create assignments within Speakable that align with WIDA or ACTFL standards, whether it’s a speaking task, writing prompt, or reading exercise.
2. Students Submit Their Work
   As students complete their assignments, Speakable automatically collects their responses. The system analyzes key factors like grammar, vocabulary, fluency, and complexity to provide accurate proficiency measurements.
3. Proficiency Levels Are Estimated
   The system estimates a student's WIDA or ACTFL level based on their submission. Teachers receive clear indicators showing where students fall on the WIDA (Entering to Bridging) or ACTFL (Novice to Advanced) scales.
4. Track Progress Over Time
   Speakable keeps a record of each student’s proficiency levels, making it easy to see trends—whether a student is progressing, plateauing, or struggling in specific areas.
5. Use Insights to Adjust Teaching
   With these insights, teachers can modify lesson plans or provide focused support, helping students advance to the next proficiency level.

Why This Feature is a Game-Changer for Teachers

1. Immediate, Actionable Feedback
   Relying solely on end-of-year standardized tests to understand student progress is limiting. Speakable’s proficiency estimation provides timely feedback after each assignment, enabling teachers to make adjustments throughout the year—not just at the end.
2. Seamless Integration into Your Workflow
   We understand that teachers are already managing a lot. That’s why this tool is designed to integrate into your existing teaching methods without requiring additional steps. Use the activities you’re already familiar with, and let Speakable handle the rest.
3. Consistent, Objective Measurements
   Manual grading can sometimes be subjective. Speakable ensures that every assessment is consistent and objective, providing reliable data across multiple classes and teachers.

How Schools and Districts Benefit

Speakable’s proficiency level estimation also supports administrators in making data-driven decisions:

• District-Wide Insights: Monitor progress across multiple schools to understand what’s working and identify areas needing improvement.
• Standardized Data Collection: Ensure that every student’s proficiency is measured using consistent criteria across the district.
• Informed Decision-Making: Real-time data allows administrators to identify trends early, helping allocate resources effectively.

Examples in Action

Here’s how teachers are using Speakable’s proficiency estimation in their classrooms:

• ESL Programs: An ESL teacher assigns weekly speaking tasks where students describe a picture in English. Over time, Speakable shows students moving from WIDA Entering to Developing, thanks to real-time feedback on their submissions.
• World Language Classes: In a high school Spanish class, students complete writing assignments describing their weekend activities. Speakable estimates ACTFL proficiency levels for each student. The teacher notices several students plateauing at Intermediate Low and adjusts lessons to focus on sentence variety and fluidity.
• District Monitoring: A district coordinator uses Speakable to track WIDA progress across multiple schools. The data highlights one school excelling in writing instruction, enabling them to share effective strategies with others.

Final Thoughts: A Smarter Way to Measure Progress

Tracking language proficiency shouldn’t be a cumbersome task. Speakable’s WIDA & ACTFL proficiency level estimation simplifies the process, giving teachers and administrators the clarity they need to focus on what truly matters—helping students succeed.

Whether you’re teaching English learners or world language students, this tool provides actionable insights to guide student progress. Say goodbye to tedious spreadsheets and guesswork—Speakable offers simple, reliable data that you can act on immediately.

Ready to See It in Action?

If you’re interested in how this feature can streamline your classroom or district assessments, Schedule a demo. Let us show you how WIDA & ACTFL proficiency estimation can transform your progress tracking process.