WIDA's CAN DO Descriptors
For teachers unfamiliar with the ELP standards, the CAN DO Descriptors provide a starting point
for working with ELLs and a collaborative tool for planning. As teachers become comfortable with
the Descriptors, the standards’ matrices can be introduced. The CAN DO Descriptors are also
general enough to be appropriate to share with students’ family members to help them understand
the continuum of English language development.
PreK-Kindergarten CAN DO Descriptors
Grades 1-2 CAN DO Descriptors
Grades 3-5 CAN DO Descriptors
Grades 6-8 CAN DO Descriptors
Grades 9-12 CAN DO Descriptors