Welcome to WIDA Webinars
Back to BlogWelcome to WIDA Webinars
05/26/2026
Guest Blogger: Susan Lafond, NBCT
Read this post to find out about two upcoming webinars hosted by WIDA as NYS transitions to their assessments for next school year.
As OBEWL transitions to the WIDA Consortium for English language proficiency assessment, educators across the state have an exciting opportunity to hear directly from the experts guiding the work. The New York State Education Department - Office of State Assessment and WIDA are sponsoring two upcoming webinars designed to help educators better understand WIDA and the implementation of the WIDA ACCESS assessment in New York.
For teachers, ENL specialists, administrators, testing coordinators, and anyone supporting multilingual learners, these sessions will provide valuable first-hand information about what to expect in the 2026–2027 school year and beyond.
Webinar #1: Welcome to WIDA
The first session, Welcome to WIDA, will take place on Thursday, June 11, 2026 from 2:00–3:30 p.m. ET. During the webinar, participants will learn about the history of WIDA, how the assessment system is designed, and what educators need to know as New York begins administering WIDA ACCESS and WIDA Alternate ACCESS. Presenters will also preview upcoming assessment training requirements and explain where educators can find future updates and resources.
This session is especially important because it offers educators an opportunity to hear directly from WIDA representatives and NYSED staff about the purpose, structure, and implementation of the assessments. As schools prepare for this statewide transition, understanding the “why” behind the assessment system can help educators feel more confident and informed.
Webinar #2: WIDA ACCESS Online Technology 101
The second webinar, WIDA ACCESS Online Technology 101, will focus specifically on the technology components of administering the WIDA ACCESS assessments online. This session will help districts and schools better understand the technical requirements, online testing platform, device readiness, and technology supports needed for successful implementation of the assessment system.
For many educators and school leaders, this webinar may be one of the most practical and timely opportunities to prepare for the transition. Technology readiness plays a critical role in successful assessment administration, and hearing directly from WIDA and NYSED experts can help schools proactively address questions and avoid challenges before testing begins.
The session will be especially beneficial for:
Can’t Attend Live? Recordings Will Be Available
One of the best features of these webinars is the flexibility they offer busy educators. Both sessions will be recorded, allowing participants to revisit the information later or watch on demand if they are unable to attend live. This makes the webinars accessible to educators balancing teaching, end-of-year responsibilities, summer schedules, and professional learning commitments.
As New York begins this transition to WIDA ACCESS, these webinars are an excellent starting point for educators looking to deepen their understanding and prepare for what’s ahead. Whether you are brand new to WIDA or already familiar with the consortium, the sessions promise timely, practical, and relevant information directly from the source.
https://www.nysed.gov/state-
Guest Blogger: Susan Lafond, NBCT
Read this post to find out about two upcoming webinars hosted by WIDA as NYS transitions to their assessments for next school year.
As OBEWL transitions to the WIDA Consortium for English language proficiency assessment, educators across the state have an exciting opportunity to hear directly from the experts guiding the work. The New York State Education Department - Office of State Assessment and WIDA are sponsoring two upcoming webinars designed to help educators better understand WIDA and the implementation of the WIDA ACCESS assessment in New York.
For teachers, ENL specialists, administrators, testing coordinators, and anyone supporting multilingual learners, these sessions will provide valuable first-hand information about what to expect in the 2026–2027 school year and beyond.
Webinar #1: Welcome to WIDA
The first session, Welcome to WIDA, will take place on Thursday, June 11, 2026 from 2:00–3:30 p.m. ET. During the webinar, participants will learn about the history of WIDA, how the assessment system is designed, and what educators need to know as New York begins administering WIDA ACCESS and WIDA Alternate ACCESS. Presenters will also preview upcoming assessment training requirements and explain where educators can find future updates and resources.
This session is especially important because it offers educators an opportunity to hear directly from WIDA representatives and NYSED staff about the purpose, structure, and implementation of the assessments. As schools prepare for this statewide transition, understanding the “why” behind the assessment system can help educators feel more confident and informed.
Webinar #2: WIDA ACCESS Online Technology 101
The second webinar, WIDA ACCESS Online Technology 101, will focus specifically on the technology components of administering the WIDA ACCESS assessments online. This session will help districts and schools better understand the technical requirements, online testing platform, device readiness, and technology supports needed for successful implementation of the assessment system.
For many educators and school leaders, this webinar may be one of the most practical and timely opportunities to prepare for the transition. Technology readiness plays a critical role in successful assessment administration, and hearing directly from WIDA and NYSED experts can help schools proactively address questions and avoid challenges before testing begins.
The session will be especially beneficial for:
- District and building technology staff
- Testing coordinators
- ENL and bilingual program leaders
- School administrators
- Anyone involved in preparing devices or managing online assessments
Can’t Attend Live? Recordings Will Be Available
One of the best features of these webinars is the flexibility they offer busy educators. Both sessions will be recorded, allowing participants to revisit the information later or watch on demand if they are unable to attend live. This makes the webinars accessible to educators balancing teaching, end-of-year responsibilities, summer schedules, and professional learning commitments.
As New York begins this transition to WIDA ACCESS, these webinars are an excellent starting point for educators looking to deepen their understanding and prepare for what’s ahead. Whether you are brand new to WIDA or already familiar with the consortium, the sessions promise timely, practical, and relevant information directly from the source.
https://www.nysed.gov/state-
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