Assessments for English Language Learners

WIDA ACCESS for ELLs 2.0
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 ACCESS 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.

WIDA Screener

The WIDA Screener is a new language screener used by PA to identify potential ELs. The assessment is given online with paper option available in the writing domain for all grades. The results can be used by educators as an identification test for ELs new to the district. 

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; however, reading and writing scores of students who have been in the U.S. for less than one 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.