ELD Assessments
ACCESS for ELLs is an English language proficiency test that measures students’ academic English language skills.
Each year, students in English learner programs take the ACCESS for ELLs language proficiency test. The test measures academic English language proficiency in listening, speaking, reading, and writing. The level needed to be proficient in English and reclassify from the English Language Development (ELD) program is a minimum overall score of 4.5 on WIDA ACCESS and a minimum accumulated score of 6.0 on teachers' evaluations. A score report is mailed to the home at the beginning of every school year.
Testing helps teachers understand whether students have the language skills they need to fully participate in the classroom. Teachers in our school use this information to help them make decisions about instruction for your child. Teachers also use these test scores to monitor the progress your child makes toward English proficiency.
WIDA Screeners
The WIDA Screeners are an English language proficiency assessment that is given to incoming students in grades K through 12 who may be identified as English Learners (ELs). This test is required by the state and helps determine whether students are eligible for the ELD program. It is designed to measure the student's language proficiency level on the WIDA continuum. This assessment also serves as a guide for placement within the ELD program. It can be administered online or in paper form.
Using the data from the WIDA ACCESS test, parents can assist their children to achieve goals in their education with these student-friendly guides.
Alternate ACCESS
The Alternate ACCESS is a test similar to the ACCESS that assesses students’ English language proficiency levels in grades 1-12 who are already identified as English Learners (ELs). To qualify for the Alternate ACCESS students must have significant cognitive disabilities that prevent them from meaningful participation in the ACCESS for ELLs 2.0 assessment. The Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA; 2015) requires all students classified as ELs to be assessed yearly for English language proficiency, even students who are in special education. The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA; 2004) mandates that students with disabilities must participate in state and district assessments. These students may take alternate assessments with appropriate accommodations as documented in their Individualized Education Programs (IEP). WIDA created the Alternate ACCESS for ELLs for the above reasons. The Alternate ACCESS for ELLs is designed to measure English language proficiency growth of students with significant cognitive disabilities.