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.
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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

    Technology

    View technology requirements and access additional documentation.

    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.