This video is available as a NAESPA membership benefit or for a limited time as a conference attendee.
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Equitable Grading for MLs: A Framework Using WIDA Can Do Descriptors
Do you struggle with grading multilingual learners (MLs)? You're not alone! In this hands-on session, you’ll learn how to develop a practical framework to fairly assess MLs’ academic content knowledge based on their language levels (WIDA Can Do Descriptors). Participants will also engage in an interactive activity to debunk myths and misconceptions about grading ML students, with research cited to guide the discussion. Finally, groups will collaborate to create an ML grading framework to take with them and use immediately! This session is rooted in equity and will equip educators with the tools to grade MLs fairly and effectively.
This talk was presented at:
2026 National ESEA Conference
February 2026
in
Denver, CO
For more information:
andrea.may@boiseschools.org, beth.harju@boiseschools.org
Speakers
Jolene Lincoln
Jolene Lincoln is the Administrator of Student & Federal Programs for Boise School District (22,000 students, 10% ML students, 35% FRL) with 26 years in public education. She directs K–12 federal and student programs, including Title I, Title III, multilingual education, dual language immersion, MTSS, school improvement, and large-scale summer programming. Jolene brings a student-centered, equity-driven approach to systems leadership, aligning resources, staffing, and service delivery to expand access, strengthen belonging, and improve outcomes for multilingual learners and historically underserved students. A former principal, district consultant, Multilingual Learner specialist, and classroom teacher, Jolene bridges policy, compliance, and instruction to support sustainable improvement across schools. She also advocated for an online pathway that enables practicing teachers to earn an ENL endorsement in Idaho at a professional development credit cost, expanding access to qualified multilingual educators statewide.
Beth Harju
Beth Harju is an Intervention Specialist with 15 years of experience. Prior to this role, she worked as ML Co-teacher for the Boise School District for 10 years. She holds a BA in Spanish, International Studies, and Special Education, and a Master's in English as a New Language (ENL) and Bilingual Education.
ESEA Network
The National Association of ESEA State Program Administrators is dedicated to building the capacity of education professionals to provide disadvantaged children with a high quality education. Their ESEA Network website provides a host of resources to educators at all levels.
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About Us
The National Association of ESEA State Program Administrators (formerly the National Title I Association) is dedicated to building the capacity of education professionals to provide disadvantaged children with a high quality education. Their ESEA Network website provides a host of resources to educators at all levels.
Connect with Us
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