New York
Welcome to the WIDA Consortium, New York!
WIDA is working closely with the New York State Education Department to provide you with what you need to help you prepare for WIDA ACCESS in 2026-2027.
Bookmark this webpage to easily access information, WIDA resources and updates.
Top Things You Need to Know
- New York will begin administering WIDA ACCESS and WIDA Alternate ACCESS in the 2026-2027 school year.
- Visit the ACCESS Test Practice and Sample Items page to review sample items for WIDA ACCESS Paper, WIDA ACCESS Braille, and online test demos and interactive sample items for WIDA ACCESS Online.
- Explore the Alternate ACCESS Sample Items page to get familiar with the test format and item types included on WIDA’s summative assessment for English learners with the most significant cognitive disabilities.
- In September 2026, New York educators will begin receiving access to WIDA professional learning workshops in the WIDA Secure Portal.
- In the 2027-2028 school year, New York will begin using WIDA Screener for grades K-12. (A specific start date is to be determined.)
- New York will not be adopting the WIDA English Language Development Standards Framework, 2020 Edition. New York educators should continue to follow the guidance of the New York State Academic and Linguistic Demands (ALDs). The ALDs remain the foundation for instructional planning and alignment with New York’s content standards.
Technology Resources
We have resources to help you get ready for the move to computer-based testing. Check out these resources to start planning for technology needs. (Note: Most technology documents are updated each year at the end of June.)
- Visit the Technology page for an overview of essential WIDA ACCESS testing components and requirements.
- Learn about supported devices and operating systems in Supported System Requirements for WIDA ACCESS Online and WIDA Screener Online (this document is updated three times each year).
- Refer to WIDA ACCESS Headset Specifications for guidance on recommended devices for the ACCESS Online Speaking test.
- Explore other technology documents and manuals on the WIDA Assessment Management System (WIDA AMS) website. No login is required to view technology documentation.
Upcoming Webinar Opportunities
Welcome to WIDA
Join us on Thursday, June 11 from 2:00-3:30 p.m. ET to learn more about WIDA and the introduction of WIDA ACCESS in New York. We’ll share the history of WIDA, explain how our assessments are designed and discuss what you need to know as you prepare to administer WIDA ACCESS in the 2026-2027 school year. We’ll also provide a preview of upcoming assessment training requirements and share where you can find additional updates as we get closer to WIDA ACCESS testing. All New York educators interested in learning more about WIDA and WIDA ACCESS are invited to attend.
Link to Welcome to WIDA Vimeo livestream
Welcome to WIDA webinar promotional flyer
WIDA ACCESS Online Technology 101
Join us on Tuesday, June 16 from 2:00-3:30 p.m. ET for a webinar on WIDA online assessment technology. WIDA and experts from DRC, WIDA’s vendor for the WIDA ACCESS Online test platform, will present about the technology requirements for WIDA ACCESS Online, and about the WIDA Assessment Management System (WIDA AMS), DRC’s platform for student and test registration management. We’ll provide a suggested technology implementation roadmap for your district and share key resources to make sure your technology is ready to go for WIDA ACCESS testing in 2026-2027. We encourage test coordinators, test administrators and technology coordinators in New York to attend.
Link to WIDA ACCESS Online Technology 101 Vimeo livestream
WIDA ACCESS Online Technology 101 promotional flyer
Please note: These webinars will be live streamed using Vimeo. If you plan to attend, please work with your IT department as necessary to ensure that Vimeo is not blocked on your local network. Contact WIDA Client Services if you require additional information.
The webinars will be recorded and made available for those unable to attend.
A Note from NYSED
New York will also continue to share WIDA information with the field as updates become available. Visit the New York State Education Department Office of State Assessment website for additional information.
For assessment-related questions, please contact the Office of State Assessment (OSA) at emscassessinfo@nysed.gov or (518) 474-5902. For inquiries about state policy guidance, reach out to the Office of Bilingual Education and World Languages (OBEWL) at OBEWL@nysed.gov or (518) 474-8775.