Assessments for English Language Learners

WIDA

WIDA ACCESS for ELLs 2.0

WIDA stands for World-Class Instructional Design and Assessment.
ACCESS stands for Assessing Comprehension and Communication in English State-to-State - for English Language Learners.
 
WIDA ACCESS is a test administered to students in grades K-12 who are identified as English learners. An English learner is a student who is formally identified as needing language supports to successfully engage with academic content in English. This test is used to accurately evaluate the English language skills of those students. 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.
 
Students who are identified as English learners with the most significant cognitive disabilities typically use WIDA Alternate ACCESS.

WIDA Screener

WIDA Screener is the collective name for WIDA's suite of English language proficiency assessments given to new students in grades K–12 to help educators identify whether they are English learners. It is a flexible, on-demand assessment that can be administered at any time during the school year. WIDA Screener tests include
Students in grades K-12 who have been identified as having the most significant cognitive disabilities typically use WIDA Alternate Screener.

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 higher levels.
 
English Language Learners are required to take the test regardless of their level of language proficiency; however, reading and writing scores of students who have been in the U.S. for less than one year are not factored into the school report. Some accommodations are allowed to make this test a little more comfortable for test takers: extra time, directions explained, one-on-one or small group setting.