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What are the Alternate and Paper WIDA Screeners?
What are the Alternate and Paper WIDA Screeners?
The WIDA Alternate Screener is an English language proficiency assessment designed for newly enrolled students in grades K–12 who have significant cognitive disabilities and cannot meaningfully participate in the standard WIDA Screener. It measures a student’s ability to use English in the four language domains: Listening, Speaking, Reading, and Writing, while providing accommodations and accessibility features appropriate for students with diverse learning needs.
The WIDA Screener Paper is an English language proficiency assessment used to identify students who may be eligible for English language development services. It is available for students in grades 1–12 and assesses the four language domains of Listening, Speaking, Reading, and Writing through a paper-based format.
The Alternate and Paper Screeners provide teachers and schools with information to make informed decisions about language support and placement for multilingual learners. It is one tool used alongside other information, such as classroom performance and teacher observations, to support students’ academic success.
IMPORTANT: any staff administering the Kindergarten or WIDA Screeners must certify annually through the WIDA Secure Portal after August 1 of the current school year. In order to score or generate student score reports, WIDA Screener test administrators must hold the appropriate WIDA Screener certification and have a current teaching certification. Aspiring, Adjunct, or Apprentice teachers are not eligible to score WIDA Screeners or generate student score reports. Any student who is screened by staff not meeting the appropriate qualifications must be screened again.
Requirements and timelines to correctly identify students and administer WIDA Screener
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