District and school administrative staff, educators, support staff, and decision-making team members, including those responsible for Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and 504 Plans, should be well-versed in the administrative considerations, universal tools, best practices in assessment and instruction and accommodations available for English Learners identified or suspected of having a dis/ability or need which requires a provision of accessibility supports and accommodations.
Does my English Learner with a Disability need to take the WIDA ACCESS?
The annual state English language proficiency (ELP) assessment, ACCESS for ELLs®, is required by federal law. The results of the state ELP assessment are used to measure students' English language proficiency and progress in each of the four language domains (i.e., reading, writing, speaking and listening/understanding). The LEA must maintain these score results in the student's permanent record folder.
When Does the English language proficiency assessment occur?
Pennsylvania uses WIDA ACCESS and WIDA Alternate ACCESS for ELLs and is given to all ELs during the annual testing window, which typically lasts from January through mid-February. See the PA State WIDA Consortium page for up- to date information, requirements and resources: https://wida.wisc.edu/about/consortium/pa
What is the WIDA Alternate ACCESS?
The WIDA Alternate ACCESS is a large-print, paper-based test designed for K-12 students identified as English learners (ELs) with significant cognitive disabilities. This test is tailored for ELs who are involved in or are likely to participate in their state’s alternate content assessments. It complies with U.S. federal requirements under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) of 2004 and the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) for tracking and reporting the progress of ELs toward English language proficiency. Scoring The WIDA Alternate ACCESS evaluates students’ language skills across four domains: Listening, Reading, Speaking, and Writing. These scores help inform instruction and monitor the progress of ELs within schools or districts. Each domain is scored by the test administrator, and our test delivery partner processes these scores for reporting purposes. https://wida.wisc.edu/assess/alt-access
Who takes the Alternate ACCESS? IEP teams should follow the alternate assessment participation criteria as indicated by the WIDA Alternate ACCESS Participation Tree: WIDA Alternate ACCESS Participation Criteria Decision Tree
https://wida.wisc.edu/assess/alt-access
How Do I Accurately Assess the Language proficiency of my English Learner with disabilities?
IEP and 504 teams must decide if the student should take one of the following assessments, with or without accommodations: ACCESS for ELLs Paper, ACCESS for ELLs Online, Kindergarten ACCESS for ELLs, WIDA Alternate ACCESS.
Who can administer the WIDA Alternate ACCESS?
For the Alternate ACCESS, only a certified teacher who works regularly with the student may administer the test. The test administrator must have completed the test administrator training and passed all quizzes. For training videos manuals, and resources individuals must have access use the WIDA Secure Portal. To obtain a new login, contact help@wida.us, call (866) 276-7735, or contact your District Test Coordinator.
New District Test Coordinators should contact WIDA Client Services to obtain a login.
For assistance with your account, contact the WIDA Client Services Center at help@wida.us or call (866) 276-7735.
WIDA Guidance Document for (BVI) and/or (DHH)
A new guidance document details WIDA’s recommendations for IEP/504 Plan teams to consider when administering WIDA Screener to a student who is blind or visually impaired (BVI), or who is deaf or hard of hearing (DHH). It includes general administration guidance, specific considerations for students who are BVI or DHH and a short list of resources for more information. Find this resource in the WIDA Secure Portal (login required) when filtering resources by Accessibility and Accommodations or any screener assessment.