WIDA Online Screener

WIDA Online Screener (Grades 1-12)

The WIDA Screener serves as an essential online tool aimed at assessing the English language proficiency of prospective EL students spanning Grades 1 to 12. To ensure accuracy, the WIDA Screener is thoughtfully divided into distinct grade clusters to cater to the specific language development needs of students. These clusters include Grade 1, Grades 2-3, Grades 4-5, Grades 6-8, and Grades 9-12. The precise guidelines for determining the appropriate grade cluster screener for students in the 1-12 grade range can be found in the WIDA Screener Test Administration Manual. ESOL teachers must adhere closely to the outlined administration procedures as detailed in the WIDA Test Administrator’s Manual to facilitate a comprehensive and effective evaluation process.

EL Eligibility Criteria – WIDA Screener See Flowchart

Consistent with current WIDA test administration guidelines, the WIDA Screener is administered to students from 2nd semester Grade 1 - 2nd semester Grade 12. The criteria for eligibility are as follows:

• Administer the four language domains of WIDA Screener: Listening, Speaking, Reading, and Writing.

• If the student’s Grade Level Adjusted Overall composite score is ≥ 5.0 or higher on the WIDA Screener, the student does not qualify for English language assistance services.

• If the student’s Grade Level Adjusted Overall Composite score is < 5.0 on the WIDA Screener, the student qualifies to be classified as an English Learner.

• A WIDA Screener Paper Score Calculator is available on the WIDA website (https://wida.wisc.edu/) to help educators calculate the adjusted grade-specific overall composite score result.

Certification to Administer WIDA Screeners:

• Only certified personnel who have completed the annual required WIDA training modules for the WIDA Screener are permitted to administer the assessments. 

• WIDA offers a Quick Start Guide behind the secure portal for Training and administration guidance for the WIDA Screener for Kindergarten

• All APS personnel are required to score 100% on all quizzes for certification. 

Screener Certification Decision Guide