ACCESS for ELLs Paper


illustration of telescopeRevised ACCESS for ELLs is coming in 2025-26

Learn about the project

ACCESS for ELLs Paper (ACCESS Paper) is a paper-based, semi-adaptive test that may be administered in group or individual settings. This assessment is given annually to students in grades 1-12.

    assessment purpose icon
    Achievement
    assessment audience icon
    U.S.
    Grades 1-12
    assessment paper format icon
    Paper
    assessment score type icon
    Scale
    assessment score type icon
    Proficiency Level

    ACCESS Paper meets U.S. federal requirements under the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) for monitoring and reporting ELs’ progress toward English language proficiency. It tests students' language in the four domains: Listening, Reading, Speaking, Writing.

    States may choose to offer only ACCESS Paper, while others offer both formats (paper and online).

    Features

    • ACCESS Paper is available for situations where a student is unable to test online.
    • This assessment is administered to groups of students in one tier and grade-level cluster.
    • The Speaking domain is administered individually and scored by the test administrator.
    • The Listening, Reading and Writing domains are scored by WIDA's test delivery partner.

    Test Administration Times*

    Times include convening students, material distribution, directions or embedded test practice. These are estimates provided for scheduling and planning purposes.
    Reading

    Up to 70 minutes

    Listening

    Up to 60 minutes

    Speaking

    Up to 45 minutes

    Writing

    Up to 80 minutes

    255 minutes total test time

    *Times will vary based on tier.

    Related Pages

    teacher showing student something on a computer

    Preparing for ACCESS

    An overview of what’s involved in preparing to administer ACCESS for ELLs, as well as suggestions to help you get your students ready for testing.

     

    students at row of computers

    Accessibility and Accommodations

    Guidance for supporting students with disabilities taking ACCESS for ELLs. Helpful for test administrators and IEP teams.

    three teachers talking at table

    ACCESS Scores and Reports

    An overview of how ACCESS for ELLs tests are scored and how scores can be used. Helpful for test administrators, EL educators, and school, district and state administrators.

    tabletop with charts and people working at a laptop

    Building a WIDA Assessment

    Discover what it takes to make a high quality assessment and learn how you can get involved.

    Publications and Professional Learning

    Standards for the classroom that align with ACCESS for ELLs
    Can Do Descriptors that highlight what multilingual learners can do
    Professional learning that helps you better understand WIDA assessments

    Predict student performance on ACCESS for ELLs

    WIDA MODEL is an interim assessment that can provide insight into how students will perform on ACCESS for ELLs.

    Purchase WIDA MODEL

    Visit the WIDA Store to purchase WIDA MODEL for your school(s).