1. Writing Model Performance Indicators (MPIs)

2. How would you define Model Performance Indicators?
A scaffolded objective within the WIDA Standard using language and content.
My definition
your definition
our definition.
More than 1000 MPIs—examples (models) of assessable language skills
Reflect the second language acquisition process
Describe how students can use the language
Provide the anchors for curriculum, instruction, and assessment

3. The Model Performance Indicator (MPI) consists of three elements:
Elements of Model Performance Indicators
The Model Performance Indicator (MPI) consists of three elements:
The language function describes how students use language to demonstrate their proficiency
The content stem/topic specifies the context for language instruction, derived from state content standards
The support includes instructional strategies or tools used to assist students in accessing content necessary for communication; can be sensory, graphic, or interactive
As mentioned previously, each MPI consists of three main elements: language function, topic, and type of support. 4

4. Organization of MPIs within Standards
When we have a developmental horizontal row of MPI, across the 5 levels of language proficiency, and within the same domain, it is called a “Strand”. 5

5. Instructional Support
Elements of MPIs
Language Function
Follow oral directions using manipulatives and illustrated examples in order to design area maps .
An example MPI from
Grade: 3
Standard 3: The Language of Mathematics
Proficiency Level: 3
Instructional Support
Content Stem

6. Purpose of Communication
Language Function
Language Function
Structures/Grammar
Purpose of Communication
Language functions refer to the purposes in which we use
language to communicate. We use language for a variety of formal
and informal purposes. We use specific grammatical structures and
vocabulary are often used with each language function.
Some examples of language functions in Social and Instructional language
include:
Giving instructions
making requests
introducing ourselves
In the Language of Language Arts, Science, Social Studies or Math:
describing processes
Comparing, contrasting and classifying objects or ideas
In addition to functional vocabulary, students must also be introduced to grammatical structures associated with each language function.
For example, when teaching the language function of compare/contrast, teachers might teach comparative adjectives (i.e., smaller than, more expensive than, etc.) or superlative adjectives (i.e., smallest, most expensive).
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What are some examples of language functions?
Vocabulary

7. Examples of content stems:
Context for language instruction
Content standards
Bonds and Reactions
Style and Tone
Force and Motion
Government Structures
Specifies context for language instruction; derived from 
content standards.  Have teachers brainstorm other examples of content stems.
For example:
Bonds and reactions; style and tone; force and motion; 
government structures

8. Support Examples Linguistic Support
Sensory, graphic, or interactive resources embedded in instruction
and assessment that help students construct meaning from language
and content
Instructional supports illustrate the importance of scaffolding language development for ELLs, at least through level 4.
WIDA categorizes supports as sensory, graphic, or interactive, with some examples of each provided in the table. These can be found the in the 2007 Edition of the WIDA ELP Standards.

9. Content-Specific Supports

10. Purpose of MPIs Anchors curriculum instruction and assessment
Provide examples of assessable language skills
Reflect the second language acquisition process
Describe how students can use the language
Anchors curriculum instruction and assessment 12 12

11. Your Turn
Take 3 ESOL objectives and re-write them using the MPI format.  Label each part of the MPI.
Objectives Written by BCPS ESOL Teachers - access the link.

12. Reflection
How do you see using MPIs impacting language development and instruction? 

13. Additional Resources
The WIDA English Language Development Standards and Resource Guide – available on wida.us website. Academic Language Functions