ACCESS for ELLs Paper 

FormatPaper-based assessmentTypical windowJan-MarchRequired byState (for ELLs)SessionLengthVaries by GradeNumber of sessions1 in each domain ResultsSchool: printed copyLoaded into FOCUS

Florida uses the Assessing Comprehension and Communication in English State-to-State for English Language Learners Paper (ACCESS for ELLs Paper) assessments as a tool to measure English Language Learners (ELLs) proficiency in English; thus, ensuring the skills needed in school to achieve at high levels, academically. The ACCESS for ELLs Paper assessments have replaced the Comprehensive English Language Learning Assessment (CELLA) program, which was administered through spring 2015. ACCESS for ELLs Paper is a large-scale test of English language proficiency based on the WIDA English Language Development (ELD) Standards that form the core of WIDA’s approach to instructing and assessing ELLs in Grades K–12.

A Parent’s Guide-English  

A Parent’s Guide-Spanish

 Parent Information:  http://fldoe.org/accountability/assessments/k-12-student-assessment/access-for-ells.stml

The ACCESS for ELLs Paper assessments includes:

  • ACCESS for ELLs , a paper-based assessment for Grades 1–12
  • Kindergarten ACCESS for ELLs, a paper-based assessment for Kindergarten
  • Alternate ACCESS for ELLs, a paper-based assessment for students in Grades 1–12 who have significant cognitive disabilities




School Coordinators, Do you need access to the WIDA Secure Portal or WIDA AMS?  

WIDA secure portal ( login: Username is full email address)

For Scores, use WIDA AMS, log-in here: https://www.drcedirect.com/all/eca-portal-v2-ui/#/login 

Spring 2023 Score Report Resources

Spring 2023 Alternate Score Report Resources

ACCESS for ELLs Interpretive Guide for Score Reports (updated for Spring 2023, may neet to login to your WIDA  Secure Portal)

• Recorded Webinar: Spring 2022  Recording unavailable at this time (You will need a WIDA Secure Portal account to view this webinar. )

Important Assessment Dates


Spring 2024 BDS WIDA ACCESS for ELLs training will be held : Virtual Training  December  7th @ 9:00 a.m.

Spring 2024 ACCESS for ELLs Assessment Window  :    January 22, - March 15, 2024  

UPDATES to the WIDA ACCESS for ELLs 2024 Assessment Calendar COMING SOON!!! 

BDS Survey 2 Date: October TBA- November TBA, 2023        Survey 2 State Processing Dates  

 (Schools ensure ELLs are coded correctly in FOCUS)                                                                                                      

November 13,  2023                                                                         Pre-ID File sent to DRC

December 22, 2023-3/22/24                                                        WIDA AMS (Available for districts to modify demographic info)

December 22,  2024                                                                         2nd Pre-ID upload via  FDOE Sharefile by DAC   

January 8,  2024                                                                                Delivery of 2024 Administration Materials to the District Warehouse

DATE TBA                                                                                            Delivery of 2023 Administration Materials to Schools

DATES TBA in training slides                                                   Additional Test Material ordering Window for Our District

February 7, 2024                                                                              Delivery of 2nd Wave of Pre-ID labels to the District Warehouse

DATE TBA in training slides                                                      Delivery of 2nd Wave of Pre-ID labels to Schools

March 22, 2024                                                                                  Deadline for Shipping Test Materials to DRC

 Updated:8/23/2023

2023 District received online reports – May 2023

2023 District received printed reports –June 2023 (Schools will receive via the BDS warehouse on August 18)