Michele A. Kawood is a Manager for Test Development at the Center for Applied Linguistics. Since 2008, she has guided the development of computer-delivered and paper-based tests and ancillary materials for CAL’s language assessments and WIDA assessments, such as ACCESS for ELLs and WIDA Screener. Michele works closely with clients, vendors, and state & local educators across the range of test development activities, from managing item writers and leading stakeholder reviews of test materials to overseeing the production and delivery of camera-ready copy. She advises on the assessment of young learners (PreK–5) and English language proficiency in the domain of listening.

Michele’s work is informed by her professional experience as an elementary school educator, her commitment to supporting young learners and their families & teachers, and a passion for early language learning. She served as a French teaching assistant at Bucknell University before going on to live in Tours, France, where she earned the DELF I & II studying at the Université François Rabelais. She holds a Master of Science in Education degree in Teaching, Learning, and Curriculum from the University of Pennsylvania Graduate School of Education, with a concentration in educational linguistics, and a Bachelor of Science in Education degree in Elementary Education and French, summa cum laude, from Bucknell University.