WIDA ACCESS for ELLs

WIDA stands for World-Class Instructional Design and Assessment. This group designed the ACCESS for ELLS, Assessing Comprehension and Communication in English State-to-State - for English Language Learners, as a way to accurately evaluate the English language skills of students whose families speak language other than English. Because Pennsylvania is one of 14 states that belong to the consortium that uses ACCESS for ELLs, it is easier to provide appropriate support to students whose families relocate.

W-APT

The WIDA Acess Placement Test is administered to all new English Language Learners. Students take this test only one time. For example, if a student is new to the Altoona Area School District but has taken the W-APT in another district, the results of the first test can be used to determine the child's level of need.

WMLS-R

The Woodcock-Muñoz Language Survey-Revised consists of a flip chart of items that are accompanied by questions that students must answer orally or on paper. Skills tested include reading, writing, listening, and speaking in English.

The Altoona Area School District uses the WMLS-R whenever there is a question about a student's level of language proficiency. As an example, if a student shows delays in acquisition, teachers may use the WMLS-R as part of an evaluation to detmined the existence of a learning disability. ELS teachers may also administer the WMLS-R during the school year when teachers or families desire updated information about a child's language skills.

PSSA

The Pennsylvania System of School Assessment is administered to all students in grades three, four, five, six, eight and eleven. Tests cover reading, writing, mathematics and science. This test is used to determine whether or not schools are successful in helping all students achieve to higher levels.

English Language Learners are required to take the test regardless of their level of language proficiency. Some accommodations are allowed to make this test a little more comfortable for testtakers: extra time, directions explained, one-on-one or small group setting.

Rosetta Stone

As part of the ESL curriculum, teachers use Rosetta Stone, a computer-based language instructional tool. The software includes periodic assessments that allow teachers to measure gains in reading, writing, speaking and listening. These may be used as quarterly benchmarks in order to consistently focus on the needs of each student.