Kindergarten ACCESS for ELLs


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

Learn about the project

Kindergarten ACCESS for ELLs (Kindergarten ACCESS) is a paper-based test individually administered to kindergarten students in a game-like, interactive format. This assessment is given annually.

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    Achievement
    Progress
    Placement
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    U.S.
    Kindergarten
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    Paper
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    Scale
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    Proficiency Level

    Kindergarten ACCESS meets U.S. federal requirements under the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) for reporting ELs’ progress toward English language proficiency and establishing a baseline to monitor students’ future growth. The test measures English language proficiency in the four domains: Listening, Reading, Speaking, Writing.

    Features

    • The test administrator scores all domains.

    • Students are tested until they reach their performance ceiling for a given part
    • Scored tests are sent to WIDA's test delivery partner for processing into score reports.
    • Kindergarten ACCESS scores and score reports are provided in the same formats as those for ACCESS Online and Paper.

    Test Administration Time

    Time does not include convening students, material distribution, directions or embedded test practice.

    45 minutes total test time

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    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.

     

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    Accessibility and Accommodations

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

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    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.

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    Building a WIDA Assessment

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

    Resources for Educators

    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
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    Get resources specific to your state

    State-specific contact information and additional testing resources for WIDA Consortium members.

    Submit State Selection