ACCESS Testing

Multilingual learners (MLs) are held to the same grade-level standards as all other students. So, MLs would be held to the same standards, including classwork, classroom assessments, etc. MLs are not exempted from classwork, classroom assessments, etc if pulled from class for ACCESS testing, instead, teachers should have a plan to assist MLs in being successful as always and during ELP, state, and district testing windows. During testing windows, if students are being pulled from class for testing, teachers should plan on work with students to ensure they receive and understand the material taught and assigned in class, offer additional time to complete assignments, offer additional support or accommodations to students regarding the material and assignments, etc. 

ACCESS for ELLs is administered annually to all MLs coded a ‘1.0-6.0 or ‘A1-A3’ proficiency level. Students coded as ‘AW’ should be screened to complete the identification process before administering ACCESS for ELLs. ACCESS for ELLs is a standards-based, criterion-referenced ELP test designed to measure MLs’ social and academic language proficiency and progress toward proficiency in English. It assesses social and instructional English and the language associated with language arts, mathematics, science, and social studies within the school context and across the four language domains of speaking, listening, reading, and writing. ACCESS for ELLs meets the Title I mandate in the ESSA that requires states to evaluate all MLs in grades kindergarten through twelfth grade on their progress towards English proficiency. 

Only certified personnel who have completed the required WIDA training for ACCESS for ELLs are permitted to administer the annual proficiency assessment. This training must be completed annually by all TAs. In addition, TAs must be trained or certified personnel in the area of language acquisition. District Test Coordinators (DTCs) and School Test Coordinators (STCs) are highly encouraged to complete the WIDA training for ACCESS for ELLs annually to understand and organize the administration of the assessment. 

Alternate ACCESS for ELLs 

All MLs are required to participate in the annual ELP assessment. MLWDs may receive accommodations on ACCESS for ELLs per the student’s IEP. If it is determined that an alternate ELP assessment is needed for an ML with significant cognitive disabilities in grades one through twelve, Alternate ACCESS for ELLs will be used. At this time, there is no Alternate ACCESS for ELLs assessment for kindergarten students who qualify for alternate assessments. However, qualifying students will take the Grades 1-2 version of Alternate ACCESS for ELLs, approved by the USED. The proficiency criteria score for the Alternate ACCESS assessment is P1 or P2. The Alternate ACCESS for ELLs is a large-print, paper-based test designed for MLWDs who cannot meaningfully participate in ACCESS for ELLs 

ACCESS for ELLs Administration Guidance 

Specific administrative considerations are available to any ML student and do not need to be but can be listed on an ILAP/IEP or a 504 plan to receive them. To find a detailed list of administrative considerations, universal tools, and allowable accommodations, which should be documented in an IEP or a 504 plan, please reference the Accessibility and Accommodations Manual on the WIDA website.