Conversations with Colleagues: Case Study

Just recently I had a conversation with a few colleagues about the students who are the focus of the case studies we are writing. Each of us have chosen a student from a local high school to pair up with for the duration of the case study.

The main focuses of our conversation were the "WIDA Can Do Descriptors" and the Stages of Adolescent Development. Given the few times we have met these students, we figured it would be a good idea to collaborate to figure out what WIDA level our students are at.

My partner, "A", (I will keep his full name private for his sake), is one of the most interesting people I have ever had the privilege of meeting. He came to the United States in early 2017 and began school a few weeks after. He is 19 years old, and this is his first experience with formal education. For someone who is so new to education, I am so impressed with where I believe him to be!

From what I have observed, I believe this is where "A" stands with his WIDA levels at the 9-12 Grade Level Cluster:

• Speaking: Level 2 Emerging
• Reading: Level 1 Entering
• Listening: Level 2 Emerging
• Writing: level 1 Entering

Additionally, with the Stages of Adolescence, I feel it is only appropriate for me to tentatively place "A" in one category. In terms of Identity Development and Movement Toward Independence, it is my understanding that "A" would be in the "Late Adolescence" category. His social skills are phenomenal and he presents as a very confident person. 

Of course, this is based off of only a few interactions with "A" and therefore I cannot be entirely sure about where he stands. However, I can definitely say that I am going to continue to move forward with the mindset of getting to know "A" as best I can!