ACCESS for ELLs Online


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

Learn about the project

ACCESS for ELLs Online (ACCESS Online) is a computer-based, adaptive test that responds to student performance and may be administered in group or individual settings. This assessment is given annually to students in grades 1-12.

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Achievement
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U.S.
Grades 1-12
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Online
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Scale
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Proficiency Level

ACCESS Online 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.

Features

  • The online test platform routes students to easier or more challenging content based on their performance.
  • The online format promotes increased student engagement.
  • Built-in accessibility and accommodation features support individual students' needs.
  • ACCESS Online can be administered to groups of students in various grades and at different proficiency levels at the same time.
  • Online testing ensures standardized, reliable scoring.
  • Domains are scored either automatically by the test platform or by the test vendor's trained raters.

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 60 minutes

Listening

Up to 65 minutes

Speaking

Up to 50 minutes

Writing

Up to 90 minutes

265 minutes total test time

*Times will vary based on tier.

Related Pages

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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.

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).