Annual English Language Test

An overview of the Annual English Language Proficiency Test - ACCESS for ELLs

Langauge Domain

Beginning in January, most schools begin administering the annual ACCESS test to all identified English Language Learners (ELL) in schools. The annual ACCESS test, also known as the WIDA test is an annual proficiency test that measures a student's language proficiency in listening, speaking, reading, and writing. The test informs classroom instruction and helps make placement decisions for students in kindergarten to twelve grade. Test scores report a proficiency of 1 to 6 in each of the four language domains. Scores describe student performance in terms of the six WIDA English language proficiency levels: 1– Entering, 2–Emerging, 3–Developing, 4–Expanding, 5–Bridging, 6–Reaching. Each domain is scored separately with a level 1 score being the lowest a student can get and 6 the highest score a student may obtain.

Scores vary by proficiency levels and demonstrate a student’s ability to speak, understand, read, and write the English language. For instance, if a student scores a 4 in listening and a 2 in writing, this means that the student has shown a higher ability in the listening test than the writing test.

Using Test Results to Inform Instruction

The annual ACCESS test generates a proficiency score to inform teachers of each student's performance in listening, speaking, reading, and writing. The student report provides teachers a description of what the student can do in listening, speaking, and writing. Classroom teachers can use student test results to plan instruction during content-area instruction. English language learner teachers use test results to determine a strong or needy language area (s) for the student (s). Scores allow teachers to narrow the focus on instruction to take students to the next language proficiency level.

Using Test Results Placement

Test results are also used to make student placement. Scores help schools determine what level of language development services a student may need. In elementary school, this may entail deciding whether or not a student needs to be pulled out of the class for language instruction or in-class support during content-area instruction. Some students may receive pull out and in-class support depending on their language proficiency needs. The type of service a student receives depends on the English language instructional model that the school uses to teach English language learners. In middle school, students may be scheduled into an English language development class with other ELLs. The English language development (ELD) class focuses on teaching English to improve a student’s ability to understand, speak, read, and write using academic language. ELD classes provide students a comfortable environment to use and learn a language with the goal of English language mastery.

Students in dual language classrooms take the annual test to measure English language development progress. Teachers in immersion classrooms may also use the test results to make instructional decisions.

Using Test Scores to Determine ELL Status

The ACCESS for ELLs test provides schools an overall (composite) score to determine whether or not a student is considered an English language learner or not. The overall or composite score is a combination of all four domain scores for the student. States have designated score target that determines when a student can transition out of ELL services. Most states have designated a score of 4.5 or above to determine when a student qualifies for services. Such a score not only determines exit criteria, but it is also an indicator that the student may be performing at a higher level once they reach that score. Contact your child’s school or visit the state education website to find out your state exit criteria.

All schools are required to inform parents of their child’s English language development progress each school year. A student report must be sent to parents each school year, showing a student’s language proficiency level for all four domains and combine score results for comprehension, literacy, and overall score. The results of a student report are available in your child’s school. Encourage your child to try their best during the ACCESS test. The results of the test are a valuable resource for schools. The test provides valuable information about a student’s English language proficiency abilities.