English Language Proficiency Assessment / Assessment & Accountability / Idaho Department of Education

Title I, Part A of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, as amended by the Every Student Succeeds Act (2015), requires states to annually administer a single statewide English language proficiency (ELP) assessment to all English learners (ELs) enrolled in grades K-12. The primary purpose of this mandate is to ensure that all students graduate high school ready for college and career. To fulfill this requirement, Idaho districts administer ACCESS for ELLs (ACCESS) between January and March each year. Results are used to measure and monitor student progress, inform and enhance educator pedagogy, and ensure that a district’s language instruction educational program is proven effective in helping students overcome English language barriers.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Free WIDA Self-Paced PD Workshops WIDA ELD Standards Framework Training

Registration website

Test Coordinator Training Document

HIGHLIGHTS

WIDA Website

WIDA Secure Portal/WIDA AMS Account Request Form

Jotform

ALTELLA: Alternate English Language Learning Assessment Project

Website

Web App

Web Page

Web page

ELPA: Alternate ASSESS Reclassification Methodology 2024-2025

PDF Document

WIDA Consortium

Idaho has been a member of the WIDA Consortium since 2015. In addition to adopting the WIDA English Language Development Standards, Idaho utilizes a number of the WIDA English language proficiency (ELP) assessments at various times throughout the academic year to satisfy federal and state mandates. Idaho districts use WIDA ELP assessment scores to verify a student’s eligibility for EL services, monitor English language growth, and exit students from a district’s language instruction educational program.

WIDA ELD Standards Framework - 2020 Edition

WIDA ELD Standards Framework 2020 book cover

The WIDA ELD Standards Framework, 2020 Edition, defines the language multilingual learners need as they engage in disciplinary learning. The framework serves as a resource for planning and implementing language curriculum, instruction and assessment for multilingual learners. Download the WIDA English Language Development Standards Framework, 2020 Edition: Kindergarten-Grade 12.

eWorkshop - The WIDA ELD Standards Framework: A Collaborative Approach

2024-2025 English Language Proficiency Assessment Calendar

2024-2025 Important Dates - ACCESS for ELLs

Testing Specifics		Start Date	End Date
Pre-Testing	Alternate ACCESS Reports and Data Files Available - WIDA AMS	September 13, 2024	September 13, 2024
	Alternate ACCESS Reports Available in District - Printed	October 3, 2024	October 3, 2024
	Districts Verify/Modify WIDA AMS Pre-ID File in ELMS	October 21, 2024	November 26, 2024
	Idaho Department of Education submits Pre-ID/Student Import File to WIDA AMS	November 27, 2024	November 27, 2024
	WIDA AMS Test Setup Available for Registrations	December 30, 2024	March 7, 2025
	Districts Receive Test Materials	January 13, 2025	January 17, 2025
During Testing	Additional Test Material Ordering Window	January 13, 2025	February 28, 2025
During Testing	ELPA Test Window	January 27, 2025	March 7, 2025
Post-Testing	Deadline for Shipping Completed Test Materials to DRC	March 14, 2025	March 14, 2025
	Pre-Reporting Data Validation – LEAs in WIDA AMS	March 27, 2025	April 2, 2025
	Reports and Data Files Available - Online	May 7, 2025	May 7, 2025
	Reports Available in District - Printed	May 16, 2025	May 19, 2025
	ACCESS Participation Rate Appeals Window	May 23, 2025	June 5, 2025

ACCESS for ELLs

ACCESS for ELLs (ACCESS) is the collective name for WIDA's suite of summative English language proficiency (ELP) assessments. ACCESS is a standards-based, large-scale, secure, summative ELP assessment taken annually by English learners in kindergarten through grade 12. ELs are tested on the five WIDA English Language Development Standards.

WIDA English Language Development Standards:

English Language Development Standard 1: English Learners communicate for Social and Instructional purposes within the school setting.
English Language Development Standard 2: English Learners communicate information, ideas, and concepts necessary for academic success in the content area of Language Arts.
English Language Development Standard 3: English Learners communicate information, ideas, and concepts necessary for academic success in the content area of Mathematics.
English Language Development Standard 4: English Learners communicate information, ideas, and concepts necessary for academic success in the content area of Science.
English Language Development Standard 5: English Learners communicate information, ideas, and concepts necessary for academic success in the content area of Social Studies.

A student’s academic English language faculty is measured in the four language domains: Reading, Writing, Speaking, and Listening.

ACCESS for ELLs Online

ACCESS for ELLs Online (ACCESS Online) is a computer-based, adaptive test that is delivered through a secure browser. ACCESS Online is the default ELP assessment administered to ELs in grades 1 – 12 in Idaho. Each language domain is scored automatically by the test platform or by the test vendor’s trained raters. ELs in grades 1-3 complete the Writing domain of ACCESS Online via paper.

ACCESS for ELLs Paper

ACCESS for ELLs Paper (ACCESS Paper) is a paper-based test available to ELs who are unable to complete ACCESS Online. The Speaking domain is administered individually and is scored by a certified Test Administrator. The Listening, Reading, and Writing domains are scored by the test vendor after the paper materials are received.

Kindergarten ACCESS for ELLs

Kindergarten ACCESS for ELLs (Kindergarten ACCESS) is a paper-based test and is individually administered to Kindergarten students by a certified Test Administrator. The Test Administrator scores all language domains at the time the assessment is given. Each Kindergarten ACCESS test takes approximately 30 – 60 minutes.

Alternate ACCESS for ELLs

Alternate ACCESS for ELLs (Alt. ACCESS) is a summative English language proficiency assessment that is administered to children who have been identified as English learners and who have met the Idaho Alternate Assessment Participation Criteria.

ACCESS for ELLs & Alternate ACCESS for ELLs Exit Criteria

ACCESS for ELLs	Alternate ACCESS for ELLs
≥ 4.2 Overall Proficiency Level	≥ P2 (Emerging) Overall Proficiency Level
≥ 3.5 Listening Proficiency Level
≥ 3.5 Reading Proficiency Level
≥ 3.5 Writing Proficiency Level
≥ 1.0 Speaking Proficiency Level

To request an accessible or translated score report for your child’s assessment results, contact your local school district.

WIDA Screeners

WIDA Screener for Kindergarten or WIDA Screener is given to newly enrolled students to Idaho and verifies the child’s eligibility to enter a district’s language instruction educational program. English language proficiency (ELP) screeners are given to provisional ELs within the first 30-days of enrollment. WIDA Screener(s) may only be administered by certified Test Administrators and are available to be administered via on-demand throughout the academic year.

All necessary training manuals and certification quizzes to administer both the WIDA Screener for Kindergarten and WIDA Screener are housed within the WIDA Secure Portal.

Note: For students in the first semester of the first year in a grade‐level cluster, it is recommended to the administer a lower grade cluster screener form (see Figure below). For example, students in the first semester of sixth grade may take the 4–5 grade cluster form. The Grades 6–8 form should be administered to students in their second semester of sixth grade through the first semester of ninth grade.

The following figure shows the appropriate grade‐level cluster test form for students, depending on the semester and grade-level when the test is administered.

Recommended Grade-Level Cluster Test Form and Enrollment Semester

Grade	1		2		3		4		5		6		7		8		9		10		11		12
Semester	1	2	1	2	1	2	1	2	1	2	1	2	1	2	1	2	1	2	1	2	1	2	1	2
Grade-Cluster Form	K	Grade 1 Test		Grades 2-3 Test				Grades 4-5 Test				Grades 6-8 Test						Grades 9-12 Test

WIDA Screener for Kindergarten

WIDA Screener for Kindergarten is an adaptive paper-and-pencil ELP screener given to provisional ELs newly enrolled in Kindergarten through first semester grade 1. WIDA Screener for Kindergarten is one tool used during the EL identification process. The WIDA Screener for Kindergarten is scored at the time the screener is administered by the Test Administrator. After the screener is completed, the Test Administrator uses the WIDA Screener for Kindergarten Score Calculator to calculate language domain proficiency levels, composite scores, and an overall English proficiency level.

Note: Kindergarten first semester students are only required to complete the Listening and Speaking portions of WIDA Screener for Kindergarten.

WIDA Screener for Kindergarten Screen-Out Criteria

First Semester Kindergarten	Second Semester Kindergarten	First Semester Grade 1
≥ 5.0 Oral Language Proficiency Level	≥ 5.0 Oral Language Proficiency Level	≥ 5.0 Oral Language Proficiency Level
≥ 4.0 Listening Proficiency Level	≥ 4.0 Listening Proficiency Level	≥ 4.0 Listening Proficiency Level
≥ 4.0 Speaking Proficiency Level	≥ 4.0 Speaking Proficiency Level	≥ 4.0 Speaking Proficiency Level
	≥ 2.0 Literacy Score	≥ 4.0 Literacy Score

WIDA Screener (Online & Paper)

WIDA Screener Online is administered online via the DRC Insight browser after a test session is created within WIDA AMS. The Listening and Speaking domains are scored by the DRC Insight test platform, while the Speaking and Writing domains are scored within WIDA AMS by a certified Test Administrator (TA). Students in grades 1-3 taking WIDA Screener Online will be given the Writing domain of the test on paper. After students in grades 1-3 complete the Writing domain, the TA scores the responses and uploads the scores into WIDA AMS.

WIDA Screener Paper is a paper-based test available to ELs who are unable to complete WIDA Screener Online. WIDA Screener Paper is administered in a one-to-one setting and is scored locally by a certified Test Administrator. Once completed, the raw scores are input into the WIDA Screener Paper Score Calculator. Certain materials for the WIDA Screener Paper must be requested prior to administration of the screener. Email the ELPA Coordinator Andrew Bennett or call (208) 332-6909 for more information.

WIDA Screener (Online & Paper) Screen-Out Criteria

Second Semester Grade 1 – Grade 12
≥ 5.0 Overall Proficiency Level Score
≥ 4.0 Listening Proficiency Level
≥ 4.0 Speaking Proficiency Level
≥ 4.0 Reading Proficiency Level
≥ 4.0 Writing Proficiency Level

Training & Certification

District and school staff administering a WIDA English language proficiency assessment, must first be trained and certified. Yearly re-certification is required for the ACCESS for ELLs suite of assessments and WIDA Screener(s). To start the certification process or to re-certify, staff need to acquire a WIDA Secure Portal account to gain access to specific training materials, tutorials, and certification quizzes. New Test Administrators should contact their District Test Coordinator or WIDA Client Services Center to have a WIDA account created for them.

Scores of 80% or higher are required to attain certification for each ELP assessment: WIDA Screener for Kindergarten, WIDA Screener (Online/Paper), ACCESS for ELLs, Alternate ACCESS for ELLs, and/or Kindergarten ACCESS for ELLs. The WIDA Secure Portal houses training modules, assessment manuals, online professional learning modules, and other useful resources that will assist in the certification process.

PORTAL CENTER

WIDA AMS »

Administrative test portal to plan, configure, and manage ACCESS and Screener Online test sessions.

WIDA Secure Portal »

Contains ACCESS & WIDA Screener trainings, certification quizzes, ELPA resources, and PD opportunities.

ELMS »

An application look up system for securely accessing language assessment scores.

ACCESS Appeals »

View and manage ACCESS participation rate appeals.

ASSESSMENT MANUALS

Test Administrator Essentials Manual PDF

Navigating WIDA Screener & ACCESS for ELLs Guidance PDF

Resource Files

New District Test Coordinators Start Here
- ELPA: Beginning of the Year Checklist
- ELPA: Navigating WIDA Screener & ACCESS for ELLs Guidance
State & Federal Law
English Learner Identification Process
- EL Identification and Placement Guidance Document
Before ACCESS Testing
During ACCESS Testing
- ACCESS Language Codes
After ACCESS Testing
- ACCESS for ELLs Interpretive Guide for Score Reports Grades K-12
- ACCESS Participation Rate Appeals: Web Application User Guide
Other District Test Coordinator EL Resources

Supporting ELs with the Most Significant Cognitive Disabilities
WIDA Can Do Descriptors

ACCESS for ELLs Overview

Parent Handout
Understanding Your Child’s Scores
Alternate ACCESS for ELLs Overview
- Alternate ACCESS for ELLs
Understanding Your Child’s Scores
NOTE: An accessible or translated version of your child’s score report can be requested by contacting your local school district.

Frequently Asked Questions

Assessing Students with a Disability

Accommodations on Idaho’s English Language Proficiency assessments (WIDA suite of assessments) are only allowed for students with a disability as documented in an IEP or 504 Plan. Decisions around the assignment of accommodations are made by a student’s educational support team (IEP, 504, or Title II of the ADA). They should never be assigned unilaterally by an individual educator outside of the IEP process. For more information on the available accommodations see the WIDA Accessibility and Accommodations Manual.

Administrative considerations are supports that are available to any student who might benefit from some personalization of standard test procedures. Administrative considerations must be selected and documented within a student’s Educational Leaning Plan prior to testing. Administrative considerations are planned prior and provided by test administrators, test coordinators, and other support staff. For more information on the available accommodations see the WIDA Accessibility and Accommodations Manual.

Although rare, a specific disability may inhibit the meaningful participation in one or more language domains. District teams who identify a disability that precludes participation in specific language domain(s), must submit an ACCESS Participation Rate Appeal during the ACCESS Participation Rate Appeals window (late May – early June) for approval consideration. For a domain exemption appeal to be approved, districts must 1) provide justification for why the disability precludes the student from participating in the specific language domain(s), and 2) provide evidence that supports the justification (e.g. a copy of the student’s IEP or 504 Plan). Districts are encouraged to contact the Idaho Department of Education Assessment and Accountability division to discuss a student’s unique situation and ways to best understand how the student may access an ELP assessment.

ELPA Account Setup

New Test Administrators should contact the district’s District Test Coordinator to have an account created for them. New Test Administrators may also contact WIDA Client Services Center at (866) 276-7735 or help@wida.us and request that an account be created for them.

New District Test Coordinators should contact the English Language Proficiency Assessment Coordinator at the Idaho Department of Education to have an account created for them.

District Test Coordinators who require access to WIDA AMS should contact the English Language Proficiency Assessment Coordinator at the Idaho Department of Education to have an account created for them. If you are a Test Administrator, School Test Coordinator, or Technology Coordinator contact the District Test Coordinator to have an account created. If you need additional assistance, call the Data Recognition Corporation at (855) 787-9615 or WIDA@datarecognitioncorp.com.

ELPA Training & Certification

Test Administrators are required to train and certify for the specific WIDA ELP assessment they intend to administer between July 1 -June 30 annually. All trainings and certification quizzes are available via the WIDA Secure Portal. The following trainings and certification quizzes (80% or higher) are required to be completed for each assessment:

WIDA Screener for Kindergarten
- WIDA Screener for Kindergarten: Oral Language and Literacy
WIDA Screener (Online/Paper)
- Screener Writing Quiz Grades 1-5
- Screener Writing Quiz 6-12
- ACCESS & Screener Speaking Quiz Grades 1-5
- ACCESS & Screener Speaking Quiz Grades 6-12
ACCESS for ELLs Online
- ACCESS Online Administration Quiz Grade 1-12
ACCESS for ELLs Paper
- ACCESS Paper Administration Quiz Grades 1-12
- Screener Writing Quiz 6-12
- ACCESS & Screener Speaking Quiz Grades 1-5
- ACCESS & Screener Speaking Quiz Grades 6-12
Kindergarten ACCESS for ELLs
- ACCESS Kindergarten Quiz
Alternate ACCESS for ELLs
- Alternate ACCESS for ELLs Quiz

Technology

Prior to administering WIDA Screener or ACCESS Online, a district’s IT personnel will need to login to the Central Office Services (COS) software application within WIDA AMS to setup, configure, and manage the DRC Insight software. The District Technology Coordinator permission set will need to be assigned to the district’s IT personnel in WIDA AMS prior to being able to perform this task. Once the IT personnel has the appropriate permission set(s), it is recommended to review the Technology Coordinator resources within the WIDA Secure Portal, in addition to reviewing the Technology User Guide.

Headsets are required to record student Speaking responses. It is recommended to check the Headset Specifications prior to testing to ensure responses are recorded.

WIDA Screener

1. Test Administrators are required to be certified to score student Writing and Speaking responses and must have the correct permission set assigned to them within WIDA AMS to perform this task. The scoring permission sets can be assigned to users in WIDA AMS through the following steps: WIDA AMS > User Administration > Edit User > Administration Screener Idaho – 20xx-20xx, District, School > Profiles tab > Action > Check the appropriate boxes. Detailed information can be found on page 85 of the WIDA AMS User Guide.
2. Detailed information on accessing and scoring WIDA Screener Online student responses can be found on pages 105 – 126 of the WIDA AMS User Guide. A specific video(s) about this topic under the header, “WIDA AMS Screener Navigation/User Videos” on the “Links” tab

After the screening and scoring of WIDA Screener for Kindergarten or WIDA Screener (Online or Paper), District or School Test Coordinators are required to input the student’s English proficiency level score(s) into the English Learner Management System (ELMS). ELMS will automatically determine student eligibility once the score(s) have been saved and submitted. For more information on how to complete this task, see the English Learner Manual. Note: an ELMS “editor” permission set is required to enter a student’s screener scores into ELMS.

Training Resources

There are multiple training opportunities focused on planning and administering ELP assessments throughout the academic year. Calendar dates can be imported to your specific calendar by 1) selecting the title of the desired webinar and, 2) selecting the green “save” icon.

Webinar Slides
Upcoming Webinars

Webinar Slides

- ELPA Module: English Learner Accountability Indicators
- ELPA Module: English Learner Identification Process

District and School Test Coordinators are encouraged to use and adapt the Training Facilitator Toolkit Presentation slide decks to accommodate local trainings that precede the administration of WIDA Screener or ACCESS for ELLs.

Resource Links

- ACCESS & WIDA Screener Test Demo
- ACCESS & WIDA Screener Test Practice & Sample Items

2024-2025 Technology Documents/Bulletins
- 2024-25 WIDA AMS Planned Updates and Outages
General IT Coordinator Resources