Every year in February and March, students take the WIDA ACCESS test.  There are 4 parts to the test, Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. 

Academic English is the formal language that is used in education.    The ACCESS test scores on comprehension and use of Academic English.

Conversational English is the language that is used informally with friends or family outside of the school setting.  The ACCESS test does not assess conversational English.

WIDA Levels

All students who take the ACCESS test will get a WIDA score. The EL Department uses these scores to determine classes and how to best support our multilingual students.  ACCESS scores also help determine what kinds of supports teachers need to use to help students be successful.

Once students reach the Level of 4.5, they have demonstrated their proficiency and are exited out of the EL program.   This means a student may no longer receive English language support from a teacher.

If you have questions about your student and their score, please contact Wes Nemenz: wes.nemenz@mpls.k12.mn.us