Access Testing for ELLs
Testing for English Language Learners
WIDA ACCESS Testing Information for Multilingual Learners
Byrd Elementary
Beginning January 26 and continuing through February 27, 2026, all students identified as Multilingual Learners (MLs) will participate in the WIDA ACCESS for ELLs assessment.
What is WIDA ACCESS?
The WIDA ACCESS for ELLs is an annual English language proficiency assessment administered to Multilingual Learners in grades K–12. The assessment measures students’ progress in acquiring academic English and helps schools understand how well students are developing the language skills needed for classroom success.
ACCESS is aligned with the WIDA English Language Development (ELD) Standards and assesses students in the following four language domains:
Listening
Speaking
Reading
Writing
Test questions are based on WIDA’s five English Language Proficiency (ELP) Standards, which include:
Social and Instructional Language
Language of Language Arts
Language of Mathematics
Language of Science
Language of Social Studies
The assessment is organized into the following grade-level clusters:
Kindergarten
Grade 1
Grades 2–3
Grades 4–5
Grades 6–8
Grades 9–12
How is the Test Administered?
WIDA ACCESS is a computer-adaptive assessment, meaning:
The test automatically adjusts question difficulty based on student responses.
Students’ performance in the Listening and Reading sections helps determine the level of questions presented in the Speaking and Writing sections.
This adaptive design allows students to demonstrate their individual language abilities more accurately.
Preparing Your Child for Success
We appreciate your support in helping your child do their very best. Please help ensure that your student:
Gets a good night’s rest
Eats a healthy breakfast
Arrives to school on time and ready to test
Students will complete an online tutorial at school to become familiar with the test format. Families are also encouraged to explore the practice materials at home.
Practice & Parent Resources
Students may practice using the ACCESS Test Demo or Sample Items by visiting the link below (please use Google Chrome as your browser):
🔗 https://wbte.drcedirect.com/WIDA/portals/wida
Additional parent information and preparation tips can be found here:
🔗 https://wida.wisc.edu/assess/access/preparing-students
Testing Dates at Byrd Elementary
Primary testing window: January 21- February 13
Make-up testing: Additional days as needed through February 27, 2026
Questions or Concerns?
If you have questions or would like more information, please contact:
Mrs. Dolean
Multilingual Learner Program Specialist (MLPS) Teacher, Byrd Elementary School
📧 Email: cdolean@acpsd.net
📞 Phone: 803-663-4320
Thank you for your continued partnership and support in providing a high-quality education for our students. We appreciate all you do at home to help our learners succeed!