Embedded Files
MA-Understanding-and-Implementing-ACCESS-Tests-October-2025.pdfUnderstanding and Implementing ACCESS Tests - August 2025 (updated October 2025)
This PowerPoint provides an overview of key information regarding ACCESS testing. Topics include participation requirements, important dates and deadlines within the testing window, and roles and responsibilities of district and school staff. The presentation covers where to find helpful resources as well as Department, WIDA, and DRC contact information. Key dates have been updated as of October 15, 2025.
ACCESS for ELLs: Massachusetts Overview (2025–2026)
ACCESS for ELLs: Massachusetts Overview (2025–2026)
Massachusetts uses WIDA assessments—including the WIDA Screener for Kindergarten, WIDA Screener for Grades 1–12, and the WIDA Alternate Screener—to identify English learners (ELs). Every EL participates annually in WIDA ACCESS for Kindergarten, WIDA ACCESS, or WIDA Alternate ACCESS, administered statewide from early January through February.
2025–2026 ACCESS for ELLs Testing Window January 5, 2026 – February 27, 2026
Key Dates Setup & Registration
Key Dates Setup & Registration
Nov 25, 2025 – Mar 6, 2026: WIDA AMS test setup available
Dec 18, 2025: SEA loads Pre-ID/Student Import File (2nd import)
Materials & Testing
Jan 5–6, 2026: Schools receive test materials
Jan 5 – Feb 27, 2026: ACCESS testing window
Jan 5 – Feb 20, 2026: Additional materials ordering open (WIDA AMS)
Reporting & Data
Mar 3, 2026: Deadline to ship completed test materials (postmark)
Mar 30 – Apr 3, 2026: Pre-reporting data validation (WIDA AMS)
Apr 27, 2026: Score reports posted in WIDA AMS
May 15–18, 2026: Printed reports delivered to schools
Jun 9, 2026: Updated data posted for SEA & districts
ACCESS Student and Family Preparation
ACCESS Student and Family Preparation
Preparing Students:
Preparing Students:
Visit the Preparing Students section of WIDA for resources
Given overall student performance in the speaking domain of ACCESS, here are some additional resources for preparing students:
Lingt: Online platform to create authentic oral assessments that students can complete independently (and from their phones)
Flipgrid: Another online platform to create authentic oral assessments that students can complete independently (and from their phones)
Check out additional speaking resources listed on the EL Department Remote Learning Resources Overview document
Preparing Families:
Preparing Families:
Visit the Family Engagement section of WIDA for resources
Here is a sample Google Slides presentation around ACCESS this year; please make a copy and edit as needed for your school's specifics (with input from your school's principal).
ACCESS Scoring Resources
ACCESS Scoring Resources
Visit wida.wisc.edu for information on scoring resources for ACCESS 2.0, including the following:
Visit wida.wisc.edu for information on scoring resources for ACCESS 2.0, including the following:
Interpretive Scoring Guide for ACCESS: Information on ACCESS reports and how each should be interpreted and used
Interpretive Scoring Guide for ALT ACCESS: Information on Alternate ACCESS reports and how each should be interpreted and used
Using ACCESS for ELs Score Reports: Tips on using ACCESS score information in the classroom, with students, and with parents
Interpreting Score Reports Webinar: Webinar geared towards educators on how to interpret score reports
Parent Guide for ACCESS 2.0 Score Reports (multiple languages): Information geared towards parents on how to read score reports, includes translated documents
Computer Literacy
Computer Literacy
Concerned about computer literacy skills? Check out the following resources:
Concerned about computer literacy skills? Check out the following resources:
Keyboarding Without Tears: Paid web-based curriculum for grades K-5 that teaches typing, general computer readiness, digital citizenship, and online test prep (LPS has licenses)
Type to Learn: Paid web-based curriculum around technique, ergonomics, and key location.
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