Kathryn Manning

Assessment Specialist

Kathryn Manning is an Assessment Specialist at WIDA. Her work focuses on ensuring equitable access to English language assessments for multilingual learners who are deaf or blind. Prior to joining WIDA, Kathryn created and implemented the first Language Instructional Education Program (LIEP) at the Virginia School for the Deaf and Blind, where she worked extensively with Teachers of the Visually Impaired, Teachers of the Deaf/Hard of Hearing, and other interest holders to develop accessible assessment practices and instructional materials. She frequently partnered with the Virginia Department of Education to provide expert guidance on accessibility, particularly focusing on WIDA assessments and standards implementation. Kathryn has presented at state-level conferences and to national audiences, serving as a resource for educators across Virginia and beyond working with deaf and blind multilingual learners. She holds a Master’s Degree in TESOL with a background in linguistics, and previously taught English in Japan for 3 years. Beyond her professional duties, Kathryn serves on the Virginia Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages (VATESOL) board and previously volunteered as a guide runner for the school’s cross country team. In her free time, she enjoys hiking in Shenandoah National Park, maintaining her Japanese language skills, and expanding her knowledge of ASL and other sign languages.

Contact Information

kathryn.manning@wisc.edu
Office: 1025 W Johnson St, Madison, WI, USA, 53706-1706