New Mexico
Member of the WIDA Consortium since 2009.
Assessments
New Mexico uses the WIDA Screener for Kindergarten and WIDA Screener Online (for Grades 1-12) to identify English language learners (ELLs). WIDA ACCESS is given to all ELLs during the annual testing window, which typically lasts from mid-January through mid-March.
Testing Dates
| 10/14/25 - 11/21/25 | Test Materials Ordering Available in WIDA AMS (LEAs) |
|---|---|
| 11/26/25 - 3/6/26 | WIDA AMS Test Setup Available for Registrations |
| 1/8/26 - 1/9/26 | Districts Receive Test Materials |
| 1/8/26 - 2/27/26 | Additional Test Material Ordering Window in WIDA AMS |
| 1/13/26 - 3/6/26 | Test Window |
| 3/16/26 | Deadline for Shipping Completed Test Materials to DRC - Postmark date |
| 4/3/26 - 4/17/26 | Pre-Reporting Data Validation – LEAs in WIDA AMS |
| 5/13/26 | Districts Receive ACCESS and Alternate ACCESS Reports and Data - Posted in WIDA AMS |
| 5/22/26 - 5/26/26 | Districts Receive Printed ACCESS and Alternate ACCESS Reports |
| 6/9/26 | Updated ACCESS and Alternate ACCESS Data - Posted in WIDA AMS for SEA and Districts |
Requirements and Resources
See below for state-specific information and resources related to ELL assessment, including your state’s WIDA ACCESS Checklist, where you can find each step in the ACCESS testing process from beginning to end.
WIDA ACCESS Checklist Identification and Placement Guidance
- State Testing Requirements
- New Mexico administers WIDA ACCECSS Online for Grades 1-12.
- Kindergarten and Alternate ACCESS continue to be paper-based assessments.
- Students in Grades 1-3 complete the Writing domain in a paper booklet.
- Test Preparation and Training
- Test Administrators for WIDA ACCESS and/or Kindergarten ACCESS must be licensed teachers/administrators and pass the required certification quizzes with a score of 80% or higher.
- To administer Alternate ACCESS, the Test Administrator must be a licensed special education teacher who is familiar with the student’s needs and communication methods. The Test Administrator must review the materials in the Alternate ACCESS Training Course and pass the certification quiz with a score of 80% or higher.
- ACCESS training courses can be found on the WIDA Secure Portal. Contact your District Test Coordinator if you do not have an account.
- WIDA Screener for Kindergarten and WIDA Screener training and test materials can be found on the WIDA Secure Portal. Contact your District Test Coordinator if you need an account.
- Test Administrators are required to certify annually each school year.
- You may view your proof of certification on your account on the WIDA Secure Portal. Contact your District Test Coordinator to find out if you have to submit physical proof of certification.
- Manuals, Guides and Test Materials
WIDA Facilitator Toolkits - Use the resources in these toolkits to help train educators on WIDA ACCESS, WIDA Screener or on score reports. Available in the WIDA Secure Portal (login required).
Professional Learning
New Mexico has opted into the WIDA Self-Paced Workshops, which are now available for all educators in districts and charter schools. Educators who would like to participate in the Self-Paced Workshops should contact the District Learning Coordinator (DLC) or District Test Coordinator (DTC) for their district/state charter school. For any questions on the process, please contact Kirsi Laine at kirsi.laine@state.nm.us.
Test Administrators should complete the English Learner Identification Process Training available in CANVAS. This course is also required for frontline staff who assist parents or guardians when enrolling their children in public schools in New Mexico.