ACCESS for ELLs™

What is the ACCESS for ELLs™?

ACCESS for ELLs is a standards-based, criterion referenced English language proficiency test designed to measure English language learners' social and academic proficiency in English. It assesses social and instructional English as well as the language associated with language arts, mathematics, science and social studies within the school context across the four language domains.

Why is an English Language Proficiency test required?

An English language proficiency test is required under No Child Left Behind (NCLB) legislation. Passed in 2001, NCLB requires that all English language learners in kindergarten through high school be assessed annually for English proficiency growth and academic progress. School districts receiving Title III grant resources will be held accountable under the Annual Measurable Achievement Objectives (AMAOs) provision of NCLB.

In addition, the Illinois Administrative Code requires districts to administer an individual language proficiency assessment to each student identified through the home language survey. This assessment shall take place within four weeks of the student's enrollment in the district, for the purpose of determining the student's eligibility for bilingual education services.

When do students take the ACCESS Screener?

After a home language survey has indicated that a language other than English is spoken in the home, or by the student, the district must screen the student within 30 days for English language proficiency. The ACCESS Screener (also know as the WIDA ACCESS Placement Test) is available free to Illinois school districts so that they can preliminarily screen students for English language proficiency. The screener is not intended to replace the full blown administration of the secure ACCESS for ELLs assessment, which will be administered annually beginning in January 2006. The primary purpose of the screener is for initial identification and placement of an English language learning student into the academic setting.

When do students take ACCESS for ELLs?

The speaking and kindergarten portions of ACCESS will be administered Jan. 12-Feb. 20, 2008. The reading, writing and listening portions of ACCESS will be administered Jan. 12-30, 2008. Individually administered tests (kindergarten and speaking) can be given anytime during the testing window.

Any students that enrolled in the district after Dec. 30, 2007, do not have to take ACCESS. All students that arrived on or before Dec. 30, 2007, have to take a placement test (W-APT, IPT, LPTS, MAC II, or LAS) as well as the annual assessment (ACCESS).

For more information visits these links:

English Language Proficiency Standards

World-class Instructional Design and Assessment Consortium (WIDA)